Vehicle Torque Management via Predictive Terrain Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicles lack an efficient system to manage transient torque, leading to inefficient engine operation, increased fuel consumption, and excessive emissions, as operators often overestimate or underestimate the required torque for acceleration and climbing hills.

Innovation Solution

A Dynamic Torque Management System that determines optimal engine torque output limits based on route parameters, vehicle conditions, and desired speeds, using a Cycle Efficiency Management module to control engine torque and provide real-time adjustments to maintain efficient engine operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If operators manually control engine torque output, then the vehicle can respond to operator input, but the engine operates inefficiently with increased fuel consumption and emissions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque control responsivenessVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors actual vehicle operating conditions (speed, acceleration, route parameters) and compares them with predicted conditions to dynamically adjust torque output limits, ensuring optimal fuel efficiency while maintaining operational responsiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-calculates optimal torque limits based on predicted future route conditions and vehicle state, allowing the engine to operate efficiently in advance of actual driving demands rather than reacting to operator input alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Power

If the engine operates without torque limits, then the vehicle has maximum power availability, but the engine efficiency decreases and emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine power availabilityVSAvoidemissions

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts torque output limits based on real-time vehicle conditions and predicted route parameters, allowing the engine to operate at optimal efficiency points while maintaining the capability to deliver maximum power when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes engine operating parameters (torque limits) based on predicted future conditions and current vehicle state, optimizing the balance between power availability and emissions reduction across different driving scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the engine operates without torque management, then the vehicle can accelerate quickly, but fuel economy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacceleration capabilityVSAvoidfuel economy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-determines optimal torque limits based on predicted future route conditions and vehicle state, enabling the engine to operate efficiently while maintaining acceleration capability when and where needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors actual vehicle performance against predicted performance and adjusts torque limits dynamically to maintain optimal fuel economy while preserving acceleration capability when required by driving conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10328923B2System and method of vehicle transient torque management

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INC

AI summary

A system for establishing a torque limit for a vehicle is provided. The system uses impending terrain and speed conditions to determine an optimum torque, which improves engine efficiency and reduces fuel consumption.