Vehicle Torque Control for Steering Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems fail to effectively control and generate desired pitching during steering operations, particularly in four-wheel drive vehicles, which affects driver feedback and vehicle stability and responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system comprising a power source, front and rear wheels, a suspension device, a torque distributing mechanism, and a controller that adjusts torque distribution between the wheels based on steering wheel angle, reducing rear wheel torque during steering wheel return to generate rearward-tilt pitching and improve stability and responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the torque distributed to the rear wheel is decreased when the steering wheel is returned, then the rearward-tilt-direction pitching is generated to improve driver feedback and stability, but the torque distribution control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller detects the steering angle and steering speed to determine when the steering wheel is being returned, then adjusts the torque distribution accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically generate desired pitching motion based on driver input, improving ease of operation without requiring manual intervention for torque adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque distribution ratio is dynamically adjusted based on the steering state. When the steering wheel is returned at a speed exceeding a predetermined threshold, the system transitions from a neutral torque distribution to an asymmetric distribution that favors the front wheel, thereby generating rearward-tilt pitching. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the control system responsive rather than static.
2Speed
If the torque distributed to the rear wheel is decreased during steering wheel return, then the turning responsiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric torque distribution is applied periodically only during the steering wheel return phase rather than continuously. The controller monitors steering angle changes and activates the torque adjustment only when the steering wheel is being returned at sufficient speed, then returns to normal torque distribution once the return is complete. This periodic application reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining improved turning responsiveness when needed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the torque distribution ratio is controlled to generate rearward-tilt pitching, then the vehicle stability is improved, but the control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a steering angle sensor to detect the steering state in advance and determines when the steering wheel return speed exceeds the predetermined threshold before initiating torque distribution adjustment. This preliminary detection allows the controller to prepare the torque adjustment timing, ensuring that the pitching generation occurs at the optimal moment without requiring extremely high measurement precision during the actual torque application phase.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively generates rearward-tilt pitching, enhancing driver feedback and turning responsiveness by adjusting torque distribution, and stabilizes pitching motion during steady turning states.
Implementation Method 1
a force to pull back the rear wheel rearwardly is transmitted from the rear wheel to the vehicle body through the suspension device
Implementation Method 2
a moment to move the vehicle body in the rearward-tilt direction (i.e., a moment to change an attitude of the vehicle body such that its rear part is lowered relative to its front part) is so generated that the rearward-tilt-direction pitching can be generated at the vehicle body
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system includes an engine driving a vehicle, a front wheel and a rear wheel, a suspension device with an attachment portion to a vehicle body which is located at a higher level than a center axis of the rear wheel, an electromagnetic coupling to distribute a torque of the engine to the front wheel and the rear wheel, a steering wheel to be operated by a driver, a steering angle sensor to detect a steering angle corresponding to operation of the steering wheel, and a controller to control the engine and the electromagnetic coupling. The controller is configured to control the electromagnetic coupling such that the torque distributed to the rear wheel is decreased in accordance with a returning operation of the steering wheel which is detected by the steering angle sensor.