Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and a method for controlling torque assist in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In prior arts, the torque assist is enabled based on certain pre-defined criterions. However, during the torque assist, certain conditions may arise and when the torque assist is continued to be provided in such conditions, safety of the rider of the vehicle as well as performance of the vehicle might be negatively affected. In view of the foregoing, there is a need-felt to overcome at least the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[003] In one aspect of the present invention, a system for controlling torque assist in a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) Machine and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) control unit. The Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) Machine is coupled to an internal combustion engine and one or more battery units. The ISG control unit is communicatively coupled to the ISG machine and configured to control the ISG machine to enable or disable torque assistance to the engine of the vehicle. The torque assistance is disabled based on at least one of the following parameters: (a) battery voltage, (b) rate of change of throttle, (c) engine temperature, (d) malfunction of one or more pre-defined components in the vehicle, (e) time period elapsed since start of torque assistance and (f) torque assist requests in a pre-defined period of time.
[004] In an embodiment, the torque assist is enabled based on the following parameters: (a) State of Charge (SoC) of the battery, (b) rate of change of throttle, and (c) engine temperature. The torque assist is enabled based upon satisfaction of first pre-defined conditions. The first pre-defined conditions are satisfied when the State of Charge (SoC) of the battery is greater than a pre-defined value, the vehicle is in a state of acceleration and the engine temperature is greater than a pre-defined engine temperature.
[005] In an embodiment, the torque assist is disabled based on satisfaction of one or more second pre-defined conditions. The one or more second pre-defined conditions are as follows: (a) drop in battery voltage of the one or more battery units during torque assist being more than a pre-defined drop in battery voltage, (b) the vehicle being in a state of deacceleration, (c) the temperature of the engine being less than the pre-defined temperature, (d) time period elapsed since start of torque assist being greater than a first pre-defined time period, (e) number of torque assist requests in a second pre-defined time period being greater than a pre-defined number, and (f) detection of malfunction of one or more pre-defined components in the vehicle.
[006] In an embodiment, the one or more pre-defined components of the vehicle are selected from a group comprising the engine, the gear box, the clutch, the one or more battery units and the brakes.
[007] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling torque assist in a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises enabling torque assist to an engine of the vehicle. The method further comprises disabling torque assist to the engine of the vehicle based on at least one of the following parameters: (a) battery voltage, (b) rate of change of throttle (c) engine temperature, (d) malfunction of one or more pre-defined components in the vehicle, (e) time period elapsed since start of torque assistance and (f) torque assist requests in a pre-defined period of time.
[008] In an embodiment, the torque assist is enabled based on the following parameters: (a) State of Charge (SoC) of the battery, (b) rate of change of throttle, and (c) engine temperature. The torque assist is enabled based upon satisfaction of the first pre-defined conditions. The first pre-defined conditions are satisfied when the SoC of the battery is greater than a pre-defined value, the vehicle is in a state of acceleration and the engine temperature is greater than a pre-defined engine temperature.
[009] In an embodiment, the torque assist is disabled based on satisfaction of one or more second pre-defined conditions. The one or more second pre-defined conditions are as follows: (a) drop in battery voltage of the one or more battery units during torque assist is more than a pre-defined drop in battery voltage, (b) the vehicle is in a state of deacceleration, (c) the temperature of the engine is less than a pre-defined temperature, (d) time period elapsed since start of torque assist is greater than a first pre-defined time period, (e) number of torque assist requests in a second pre-defined time period is greater than a pre-defined number, and (f) detection of malfunction of one or more pre-defined components in the vehicle.
[010] In an embodiment, the one or more pre-defined components of the vehicle are selected from a group comprising the engine, the gear box, the clutch, the one or more battery units and the brakes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[011] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for controlling torque assist in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling torque assist in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling torque assist in a vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[012] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[013] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system 100 for controlling torque assist in a vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[014] For the purpose of the present invention, the term “vehicle” comprises any vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine such as, not being limited to, bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, rickshaws, cars, trucks, etc.
[015] As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 comprises an engine 104 for vehicle 10 propulsion, an ISG machine 102, an ISG control unit 108 and one or more battery units 106. The above-mentioned components of the system 100 are disposed in the vehicle 10. In a non-limiting example, the one or more battery units 106 are lead acid battery units. The ISG machine 102 includes a stator/housing and a rotor. For starting the engine 104, the stator of the ISG machine 102 receives energy from the one or more battery units 106 and causes rotation of the rotor, which cranks up the engine 104. After the engine 104 starts, the crankshaft rotation causes the rotor to rotate, which produces an electric current in the stator and this electric energy is used to recharge the battery. The ISG machine 102 is incorporated into the power train of the vehicle 10 and can provide power/torque assist to the engine 104 upon satisfaction of a first set of pre-defined conditions as discussed in subsequent paragraphs. The ISG machine 102 is controlled by the ISG control unit 108. The ISG control unit 108 is configured to control the operation of the ISG machine 102 to enable and disable the torque assist provided to the engine 104.
[016] The ISG control unit 108 is configured to enable the torque assist based on parameters such as SoC of the battery, rate of change of throttle and temperature of the engine 104. The ISG control unit 108 enables torque assist upon satisfaction of the first pre-defined conditions. The first pre-defined conditions are satisfied when the SoC of the battery is greater than a pre-defined SoC value, the vehicle 10 is in a state of acceleration and the temperature of the engine 104 is greater than a pre-defined temperature. In a non-limiting example, the pre-defined SoC value is in range of 70 percent to 95 percent . In a non-limiting example, the pre-defined temperature value is in range of 80 degrees to 110 degrees. However, this should not be construed as limiting and different pre-defined SoC values and pre-defined temperature values can be set by the manufacturer of the vehicle 10 for efficient functioning of the vehicle 10. It is to be understood that the torque assist will be enabled upon satisfaction of all the above mentioned first pre-defined conditions.
[017] When the torque assist is being provided to the vehicle 10 , there might occur certain conditions during which if the torque assist is continued to be provided might result in compromising the safety of the rider of the vehicle 10 and/or s negatively affect the performance of the vehicle 10. In such scenarios, the torque assist should be disabled by the ISG control unit 108. In the present invention, the ISG control unit 108 is configured to disable the torque assist when conditions occur which might negatively affect the safety of the rider of the vehicle 10 or performance of the vehicle 10.
[018] For the purposes of the present invention, the torque assist is disabled based on at least one of the following parameters: (a) battery voltage, (b) rate of change of throttle (acceleration or deacceleration), (c) engine temperature, (d) malfunction of one or more pre-defined components in the vehicle 10, (e) time period elapsed since start of torque assistance and (f) torque assist requests in a pre-defined period of time. The ISG control disables torque assist upon satisfaction of one or more second pre-defined conditions. The one more second pre-defined conditions are satisfied when the drop in battery voltage of the one or more battery units 106 during torque assist is more than a pre-defined drop in battery voltage, the vehicle 10 is in a state of deacceleration, temperature of the engine 104 is less than a pre-defined temperature, time period elapsed since start of torque assist is greater than a first pre-defined time period, number of torque assist requests in a second pre-defined time period is greater than a pre-defined number and malfunction of one or more pre-defined components is detected in the vehicle 10.
[019] In a non-limiting example, the pre-defined drop in battery voltage is in the range of 2V to 5V. In a non-limiting example, the pre-defined temperature value is in the range of 10 degrees to 20 degrees. In a non-limiting example, the first pre-defined time period is in the range of 3 minutes to 10 minutes. In a non-limiting example, the second pre-defined time period is in the range of 15 second to 45 seconds. In a non-limiting example, the pre-defined number of torque assist request is in the range of 2 to 4 and second pre-defined time period is in the range of 30 seconds to 60 seconds. In a non-limiting example, the one or more pre-defined components in the vehicle 10 are selected from a group comprising the engine 104, gear box, a clutch, the one or more battery unit and brakes.
[020] For example, if the calibration time period is 10 seconds, then after every 10 seconds from a time instant at which the assist is enabled the assist will be disabled even if all other conditions are satisfied. This would ensure that the battery is charged and not drained completely. In addition, if number of assist or time of the assist activation duration is exceeded in certain time period, ISG controller will disable the assist for certain duration and enters into charging mode. For example, if the number of assists in a time period is defined 2 assists per 30 seconds, then only 2 assists may be executed within the 30 seconds time frame. If within 30 seconds, we receive 3 assist requests then the third request shall not be processed and torque assist will be disabled.
[021] However, the above-mentioned examples should not be construed as limiting and different values for pre-defined drop in battery voltage, pre-defined temperature, first pre-defined time period, second pre-defined time period and pre-defined number for torque requests can be set by the manufacturer of the vehicle 10 for efficient functioning of the vehicle 10. It is to be understood that the torque assist will be enabled upon satisfaction of at least one of the above-mentioned second set of pre-defined conditions. If any of the above-mentioned second set of pre-defined conditions is satisfied, the torque assist will be disabled and ISG machine 102 disable torque assist and will charge the one or more battery units 106 to avoid continuous drainage of battery.
[022] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method 200 for controlling torque assist in a vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[023] As shown, at step 201, the method comprises enabling torque assist to an engine 104 of the vehicle 10. The step 201 is performed by the ISG control unit 108 based on parameters such as SoC of the battery, rate of change of throttle and temperature of the engine 104. The torque assist is enabled upon satisfaction of first set of pre-defined conditions which have already been discussed in the preceding paragraphs. At step 202, the method comprises disabling torque assist to an engine 104 of the vehicle 10. The step 202 is performed by the ISG control unit 108 based on at least one of the following parameters: (a) battery voltage, (b) rate of change of throttle (acceleration or deacceleration), (c) engine temperature, (d) malfunction of one or more pre-defined components in the vehicle 10, (e) time period elapsed since start of torque assistance and (f) torque assist requests in a pre-defined period of time. The torque assist is disabled upon satisfaction of second set of pre-defined conditions which have already been discussed in preceding paragraphs.
[024] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method 300 for controlling torque assist in a vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[025] At step 301, the ignition of the vehicle 10 is turned ON. At step 302, the method comprises enabling torque assist to an engine 104 of the vehicle 10. The step 302 is performed by the ISG control unit 108 based on parameters such as SoC of the battery, rate of change of throttle and temperature of the engine 104. The torque assist is enabled upon satisfaction of first set of pre-defined conditions which have already been discussed in the preceding paragraphs. At step 303, the method determines whether the second set of pre-defined conditions are satisfied. In case the second set of pre-defined conditions are satisfied, the method moves to step 304, else step 302. At step 304, the method comprises disabling torque assist to an engine 104 of the vehicle 10. The step 304 is performed by the ISG control unit 108 based on at least one of the following parameters: (a) battery voltage, (b) rate of change of throttle (acceleration or deacceleration), (c) engine temperature, (d) malfunction of one or more pre-defined components in the vehicle 10, (e) time period elapsed since start of torque assistance and (f) torque assist requests in a pre-defined period of time. The torque assist is disabled upon satisfaction of second set of pre-defined conditions which have already been discussed in preceding paragraphs.
[026] It is to be understood that typical hardware configuration of the ISG control unit 108 disclosed in the present invention can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the ISG control unit 108 to perform the above-disclosed method.
[027] The ISG control unit 108 may include a processor which may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. The processor may be one or more general processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed devices for analysing and processing data. The processor may implement a software program, such as code generated manually i.e. programmed.
[028] The ISG control unit 108 may include a memory. The memory may be a main memory, a static memory, or a dynamic memory. The memory may include, but is not limited to computer readable storage media such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including but not limited to random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. The memory is operable to store instructions executable by the processor. The functions, acts or tasks illustrated in the figures or described may be performed by the programmed processor executing the instructions stored in the memory.
[029] The ISG control unit 108 may also include a disk or optical drive unit. The disk drive unit may include a computer-readable medium in which one or more sets of instructions, e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described. In a particular example, the instructions may reside completely, or at least partially, within the memory or within the processor during execution by the ISG control unit 108. The memory and the processor also may include computer-readable media as discussed above. The present invention contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions or receives and executes instructions responsive to a propagated signal so that a device connected to a network can communicate data over the network. Further, the instructions may be transmitted or received over the network.
[030] The ISG control unit 108 may accept incoming content and send content to connected components via a communication channel such as Controller Area Network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN) and Bluetooth.
[031] The claimed features/method steps of the present invention as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed features/steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the technical problem of not disabling torque assist in certain conditions which may be detrimental to the safety of the rider of the vehicle and might negatively affect the performance of the vehicle, is solved by present invention.
[032] In the present invention, the torque assist is disabled when the rider of the vehicle deaccelerates the vehicle. This will prevent accidents and increase safety of the rider of the vehicle.
[033] In the present invention, upon satisfaction of any of the second pre-defined conditions, the assist will be disabled and the system will return to charging of the one or more battery units. This will prevent drainage of the one or more battery units and will enhance the performance of the vehicle and life of the one or more battery units.
[034] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
10-vehicle
100- system
102- ISG machine
104- engine
106- Battery Units
108- ISG control unit , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A system (100) for controlling torque assist in a vehicle (10), the system (100) comprising:
an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) machine (102) coupled to an engine (104) and one or more battery units (106), the ISG machine (102) configured to provide torque assist to the engine (104) by means of the one or more battery units (106);
an ISG control unit (108), the ISG control unit (108) communicatively coupled to the ISG machine (102) and configured to enable and disable torque assist, the torque assist being disabled based on at least one of: battery voltage, rate of change of throttle, engine temperature, malfunction of one or more pre-defined components in the vehicle (10), time period elapsed since the start of torque assist and number of torque assist requests in a pre-defined time period.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torque assist being enabled based on one of: State of Charge (SoC), rate of change of throttle and an engine temperature.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the torque assist being enabled upon satisfaction of first pre-defined conditions, the first pre-defined conditions being: State of Charge (SoC) being greater than a pre-defined State of Charge (SoC) , the vehicle (10) being in a state of acceleration and the engine temperature being greater than a pre-defined engine temperature.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torque assist being disabled upon satisfaction one or more second pre-defined conditions, the one or more second pre-defined conditioned being at least one of: drop in battery voltage of the one or more battery units (106) during torque assist being more than a pre-defined drop in battery voltage, the vehicle (10) being in a state of deacceleration, temperature of the engine (104) being less than a pre-defined temperature, time period elapsed since start of torque assist being greater than a first pre-defined time period, number of torque assist requests in a second pre-defined time period being greater than a pre-defined number and detection of malfunction of one or more pre-defined components in the vehicle (10).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more pre-defined components of the vehicle (10) being selected from a group comprising: the engine (104), gear box, clutch, the one or more battery units (106) and brakes.

6. A method (200) for controlling torque assist in a vehicle (10), the method (200) comprising:
- enabling (201), by an ISG control unit (108) communicatively coupled to an ISG machine (102), torque assist to an engine (104) of the vehicle (10), the ISG machine (102) being coupled to the engine (104) and one or more battery units (106);
- disabling (202), by the ISG control unit (108), torque assist to the engine (104) based on at least one of: battery voltage, rate of change of throttle, engine temperature, malfunction of one or more pre-defined components in the vehicle (10), time period elapsed since the start of torque assist and number of torque assist request in a pre-defined time period.

7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the torque assist being enabled based on one of: State of Charge (SoC) , rate of change of throttle and engine temperature.

8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the torque assist being enabled upon satisfaction of first pre-defined conditions, the first pre-defined conditions being: State of Charge (SoC) being greater than a pre-defined State of Charge (SoC) , the vehicle (10) being in a state of acceleration and engine temperature being greater than a pre-defined engine temperature.

9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the torque assist being disabled upon satisfaction one or more second pre-defined conditions, the one or more second pre-defined conditions being at least one of: drop in battery voltage of the one or more battery units (106) during torque assist being more than a pre-defined drop in battery voltage, the vehicle (10) being in a state of deacceleration, temperature of the engine (104) being less than a pre-defined temperature, time period elapsed since start of torque assist being greater than a first pre-defined time period, number of torque assist request in a second pre-defined time period being greater than a pre-defined number and detection of malfunction of one or more pre-defined components in the vehicle (10).

10. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more pre-defined components of the vehicle (10) being selected from a group comprising: the engine (104), gear box, clutch, the one or more battery units (106) and brakes.

Dated this 18th day of March 2024
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471