DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle, more particularly, a vehicle assist system and a method for achieving quicker acceleration of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] In recent times technological developments are in progress to make a vehicle faster and thereby provide faster and quicker acceleration. However, a vehicle running at a higher acceleration also consumes higher quantity of fuel and thereby emits higher amount of pollutants. Hence, an improved method of providing higher vehicle acceleration without compromising fuel economy of the vehicle is required.
BRIEF DESCRIPT ION OF THE DRAWINGS
[003] The present invention is described with reference to flow charts and block diagrams. This invention is implementable in two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. Further, the inventive features of the invention are outlined in the appended claims.
[004] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle assist system (100) of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[005] Figure 2 illustrates a vehicle assist method (200) performed by the vehicle assist system (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[006] Figure 3 illustrates a vehicle assist enabling method (300) performed by the vehicle assist system (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[007] Figure 4 illustrates a vehicle assist disabling method (400) performed by the vehicle assist system (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[008] In conventional vehicles, an integrated starter generator (ISG) controller is provided inside the vehicle for initiating smooth and faster starting of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle. The ISG controller enables a ISG machine of the vehicle to provide optimum starting torque to the vehicle and thereafter the vehicle runs smoothly on a power provided by the internal combustion engine.
[009] Therefore, in such a conventional vehicle, the ISG controller is only enabled to start the vehicle and thereafter the ISG controller has no functional purpose in the entire running duration of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the conventional vehicles, the ISG controller is also used for regenerative braking to supply power to a battery of the vehicle.
[010] However, regenerative braking of the vehicle only takes place at certain intervals, particularly, in a hybrid electric vehicle. Hence, the utility of the ISG controller is limited to only cranking and generation purposes of the vehicle.
[011] In order to maximize the utility of the ISG Controller, a vehicle assist functionality is embedded in the ISG controller. The vehicle assist functionality refers to providing a quicker acceleration to a vehicle through a power unit (either IC engine or traction motor or a combination of both) for achieving faster speed of the vehicle. The vehicle assist is conventionally performed in a hybrid vehicle where the mode of operation of the hybrid vehicle changes due to one or more predetermined conditions such as vehicle speed, battery voltage etc.
[012] In some vehicles, the vehicle assist is performed by the ISG to incorporate mode change of the operation of the vehicle from an IC engine mode to a combination of IC engine and traction motor mode when additional acceleration is required at different terrains. However, such a vehicle assist system provides higher acceleration upon receiving higher amount of power from a battery. Hence, such a vehicle assist system requires a heavier battery which makes the vehicle bulky and increases difficulty in maneuverability of the vehicle.
[013] In some other vehicles, the vehicle assist by the ISG controller is performed when certain predetermined conditions are met which generally includes the speed at which the vehicle is running and the amount of throttle provided by the user. However, if the predetermined conditions as stated above are not met, the vehicle assist performance for better acceleration from the IC engine and the traction motor will not be provided. Thus, the vehicle assist system is completely dependent on the rate of change of throttle change given by the user and the throttle change satisfying predetermined conditions. Moreover, the vehicle assist is dependent only on predetermined conditions and does not incorporate user inputs.
[014] In a related art, a valve is used to control flow of the coolant to an engine and the other electrical components based on temperature of the engine and other electrical components as well as the coolant. However, this method uses a single valve to provide supply of coolant to the vehicle components, which burdens the valve. Further, during any delay or fault if the valve is unable to operate or it remains closed, then no coolant will be circulated and the vehicle components will not be cooled.
[015] In another related art, the amount of energy supplied for the vehicle assist is decide based on engine RPM and vehicle speed. Therefore, the vehicle assist is performed by regulating the the transmission ratio and air-fuel ratio to be supplied to the internal combustion engine for achieving higher acceleration. However, such a vehicle assist system promotes use of higher amount of fuel for achieving higher acceleration and therefore reduces the overall fuel economy of the vehicle.
[016] In another related art, a vehicle assist system provides higher acceleration to the vehicle for a continuous period of time until the throttle is changed by the user. This system provides higher acceleration uniformly and continuously; however, it consumes higher power from the battery of the vehicle and therefore reduces the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
[017] In another related art, the vehicle assist is performed by operating the accelerator, upon calculating the required torque to be applied to the accelerator to change the acceleration of the vehicle. In such a system continuous monitoring of the rate of change of throttle is required to determine the rate of change of the throttle. This causes high amount of power drainage from the battery of the vehicle and thereby reduces overall efficiency of the vehicle and also increases overall cost of the vehicle.
[018] Hence, it is an object of the present invention to overcome all the above stated and other related problems existing in the prior arts, with respect to a vehicle assist system by an ISG controller to provide faster acceleration to the vehicle as well as other problems of known art.
[019] It is further an object of the present invention to provide an improved overall vehicle performance.
[020] It is further an object of the present invention to provide an improved fuel economy of the vehicle.
[021] It is further an object of the present invention to reduce the emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere.
[022] It is further an object of the present invention to provide vehicle assist based on the position of throttle and engine rpm even during slow increase in throttle at lower engine rpm.
The present subject matter provides a vehicle assist system and method of vehicle assist of a vehicle comprising: a controller for vehicle assist performance; a ISG machine being enabled by said controller; an engine speed sensing unit being connected to said controller, and a rotational speed of a crankshaft of an engine being detected by said engine speed sensing unit; a throttle position sensing unit being configured to detect a throttle position value; a vehicle speed sensing unit being configured to detect a vehicle speed. The ISG machine being controlled by said controller for performing vehicle assist upon receiving one or more inputs from said throttle position sensing unit, said vehicle speed sensing unit, and said engine speed sensing unit.
[023] As per an aspect of the present invention, a vehicle assist method for a vehicle comprising the following steps. Determining a throttle position value based on inputs from a throttle position sensing unit. Further, determining a rotational speed of a crankshaft of an engine based on inputs from an engine speed sensing unit; and determining a vehicle speed based on inputs from a vehicle speed sensing unit. Thereafter, controlling a ISG machine by a controller for performing vehicle assist upon receiving the inputs from the throttle position sensing unit, the vehicle speed sensing unit and the engine speed sensing unit.
[024] As per an embodiment, the performing vehicle assist including enabling a vehicle assist performance and disabling a vehicle assist performance.
[025] As per another embodiment, the enabling of vehicle assist performance comprising steps of reading the rotational speed of the engine, a battery voltage, the vehicle speed and the throttle position sensor value of the vehicle. Further, determining the battery voltage is greater than a predetermined battery voltage value; the throttle position value is greater than a threshold throttle position value; the rotational speed of the engine is greater than a threshold rotational speed of the engine; and the vehicle speed is less than a predetermined vehicle speed value since previous assist enabling. If all the above conditions are satisfied, then the vehicle assist performance is enabled for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is 4 seconds, the threshold rotational speed of the engine is 3500 rpm, the predetermined vehicle speed is 5kmph, the threshold throttle position value is 13%, and the predetermined battery voltage value is 10 volts.
[026] As per another embodiment, the disabling of vehicle assist performance comprising steps of reading the battery voltage, the throttle position value, and a time duration. Further, determining the battery voltage is less than a threshold battery voltage value, the throttle position value is less than a preset throttle position value, and the time duration is greater than the predetermined time. If any of the above conditions are met, the controller disables the vehicle assist performance of the vehicle.
[027] As per another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle assist of a vehicle comprising: a controller for vehicle assist performance; a ISG machine enabled by the controller; an engine speed sensing unit connected to the controller. Further, a rotational speed of a crankshaft of an engine is detected by the engine speed sensing unit. A throttle position sensing unit detecting a throttle position value; and a vehicle speed sensing unit detecting a vehicle speed. The ISG machine is controlled by the controller for performing vehicle assist upon receiving one or more inputs from the throttle position sensing unit, the vehicle speed sensing unit, and the engine speed sensing unit.
[028] In accordance with the present configuration, one of the advantages is that the vehicle assist is performed with the existing battery of the vehicle and no additional batteries are required to power the vehicle.
[029] In accordance with the present configuration, one of the advantages is that the fuel economy of the vehicle is improved because additional power for quicker acceleration is provided by the ISG machine and no additional fuel is required to provide quicker acceleration.
[030] In accordance with the present configuration, one of the advantages is that emission of toxic pollutants is also reduced due to lesser consumption of fuel.
[031] In accordance with the present configuration, one of the advantages is that the vehicle assist is based on the position of throttle and engine rpm even during slow increase in throttle at lower engine rpm.
[032] In accordance with the present configuration, one of the advantages is that a rider is enabled to control and receive quick acceleration even by actuating a lower throttle input.
[033] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[034] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[035] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.
[036] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[037] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle assist system (100) of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A vehicle assist system (100) of a vehicle is configured to provide vehicle assist based on the position of throttle and engine rpm even during slow increase in throttle at lower engine rpm. The vehicle assist system (100) comprising a controller (102). In one embodiment, the controller (102) is an Integrated Starter generator (ISG) controller or a vehicle Electronic control unit (ECU). The controller (102) is enabled to crank the engine of the vehicle and provides electronic signals to various vehicle components for their operation. The controller (102) is further connected to other vehicle loads (116). In one embodiment, the other vehicle loads (116) are a headlamp, a tail lamp, an instrument cluster and other DC loads of the vehicle. The controller (102) is being powered by a vehicle battery (110). The controller (102) in turn is also configured to determine a state of charge and a current voltage capacity of the battery (110).
[038] The vehicle assist system (100) comprising an engine speed sensing unit (104), a vehicle speed sensing unit (114) and a throttle position sensing unit (106). The engine speed sensing unit (104) is configured to detect a rotational speed of a crankshaft of an engine (112). The rotational speed of the crankshaft of the engine (112) is the engine rpm. The engine speed sensing unit (104) sends the engine rpm value to the controller (102). The throttle position sensing unit (106) is enabled to detect a throttle position value of the vehicle and send the throttle position value electronically to the controller (102). The vehicle speed sensing unit (114) is configured to detect a vehicle speed of the vehicle and send the vehicle speed value to the controller (102).
[039] The controller (102) upon receiving the engine rpm value, the vehicle speed, the throttle position value and the battery voltage value controls an operation of a ISG machine (108) to provide an additional power to increase response time for accelerating the vehicle. The controller (102) performs vehicle assist including enabling (300) of a vehicle assist performance and disabling (400) of a vehicle assist performance. The controller (102) enables the vehicle assist performance for a predetermined time (t). In one embodiment, the predetermined time (t) is 4 seconds. The controller (102) is further configured to determined a time duration for which the vehicle assist system (100) is enabled. The controller (102) thereafter disables the vehicle assist system (100) when the time duration is greater than the predetermined time (t) of 4 seconds.
[040] In one embodiment, the vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle having one or more riding modes to be activated by a user. In one embodiment, an instrument cluster of the vehicle is enabled to glow with different backlight whenever the user changes the mode of operation of the vehicle.
[041] Further, in one embodiment, the controller (102) is located between the battery (110) and the ISG machine (108). The controller (102) is located in a rear frame of the vehicle, and the rear frames are extending from a down tube (not shown) in both sides (left and right) and positioned in a space between a side (not shown) and a utility box (not shown) of the vehicle. The advantage of the controller (102) being positioned in this location is that the length of wires that has to be extended between the controller (102) and the ISG machine (108) can be reduced. The controller (102) is positioned in such a way that heat dissipation is optimized.
[042] Figure 2 illustrates a vehicle assist method (200) performed by the vehicle assist system (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A vehicle assist method (200) by the vehicle assist system (100) comprising the following steps. In step (204), the controller (102) receives and determines the throttle position value based on the throttle position inputs received by the throttle position sensing unit (106). Further, in step (206), the controller (102) receives and determines the rotational speed of the crankshaft of the engine (112) based on the engine rpm inputs received by the engine speed sensing unit (104). Furthermore, in step (208), the controller (102) receives and determines the vehicle speed of the vehicle based on the vehicle speed inputs received by the vehicle speed sensing unit (114). In step (210), the controller (102) of the vehicle assist system (100) controls the ISG machine (108) for performing vehicle assist upon receiving the inputs from the throttle position sensing unit (106), the vehicle speed sensing unit (114) and the engine speed sensing unit (104).
[043] Figure 3 illustrates a vehicle assist enabling method (300) performed by the vehicle assist system (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A vehicle assist enabling method (300) of the vehicle assist system (100) comprising the following steps. In step (302), the controller (102) reads the rotational speed of the engine (112), the battery voltage, the vehicle speed and the throttle position sensor value. In step (304), the controller (102) compares the battery voltage to be greater than a predetermined battery voltage. In one embodiment, the predetermined battery voltage is 10 volts. The controller (102) further compares the throttle position value to be greater than a threshold throttle position value. In one embodiment, the threshold throttle position value is 13%. The controller (102) furthermore compares the rotation speed of the engine (112) value to be greater than a threshold rotation speed of the engine (112) value. In one embodiment, the threshold rotation speed of the engine (112) value is 3500 rpm. The controller (102) also compares the vehicle speed value to be greater than a predetermined vehicle speed value since a previous enablement of an assist. In one embodiment, the predetermined vehicle speed value is 5 kmph. When all the above conditions are satisfied, the controller (102) enables the vehicle assist performance for the predetermined time (t). During this predetermined time (t), the ISG machine (108) provides additional power along with the engine (112) to the vehicle for achieving faster acceleration at a rapid response time.
[044] Figure 4 illustrates a vehicle assist disabling method (400) performed by the vehicle assist system (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A vehicle assist disabling method (400) performed by the vehicle assist system (100) comprising the following steps. In step (402), the controller (102) reads the battery voltage, the throttle position value and a time duration. Further in step (404), the controller (102) compares the battery voltage being less than a threshold battery voltage value. In one embodiment, the threshold battery voltage value is 8 volts. Further, the controller (102) compares the throttle position value being less than a preset throttle position value. In one embodiment, the preset throttle position value is 11%. Furthermore, the controller (102) also compares the time duration detected is greater than the predetermined time (t). If any of the above conditions are satisfied, the controller (102) disables the vehicle assist performance and the power input being given by the ISG machine (108) is stopped.
[045] The claimed steps as discussed herein are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies.
[046]
[047] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Reference Numerals:


100 vehicle assist system
102 controller
104 engine speed sensing unit
106 throttle position sensing unit
108 ISG machine
110 battery
112 engine
114 vehicle speed sensing unit
116 other vehicle loads

,CLAIMS:1. A vehicle assist method (200) for a vehicle, said vehicle assist method (200) comprising steps of:
determining (204) a throttle position value based on inputs from a throttle position sensing unit (106);
determining (206) a rotational speed of a crankshaft of an engine (112) based on inputs from an engine speed sensing unit (104);
determining (208) a vehicle speed based on inputs from a vehicle speed sensing unit (114);
controlling (210) a ISG machine (108) by a controller (102) for performing vehicle assist upon receiving said inputs from said throttle position sensing unit (106), said vehicle speed sensing unit (114) and said engine speed sensing unit (104).
2. The vehicle assist method (200) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said performing vehicle assist including enabling (300) a vehicle assist and disabling (400) a vehicle assist.
3. The vehicle assist method (200) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said enabling (300) of vehicle assist comprising steps of:
reading (302) said rotational speed of said engine (112), a battery voltage, said vehicle speed and said throttle position sensor value;
determining (304) said battery voltage being greater than a predetermined battery voltage value;
determining (304) said throttle position value being greater than a threshold throttle position value and said rotational speed of said engine (112) being greater than a threshold rotational speed of said engine (112);
determining (304) said vehicle speed being less than a predetermined vehicle speed value since previous assist enabling;
enabling (306) said vehicle assist for a predetermined time (t).
4. The vehicle assist method (200) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein said predetermined time (t) being 4 seconds, said threshold rotational speed of said engine (112) being 3500 rpm, said predetermined vehicle speed being 5kmph, said threshold throttle position value being 13%, and said predetermined battery voltage value being 10 volts.
5. The vehicle assist method (200) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said disabling (400) of vehicle assist comprising steps of:
reading (402) said battery voltage, said throttle position value, and a time duration;
determining (404) said battery voltage being less than a threshold battery voltage value;
determining (404) said throttle position value being less than a preset throttle position value; and
determining (404) said time duration being greater than said predetermined time (t);
disabling (406) said vehicle assist by said controller (102).
6. The vehicle assist method (200) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein said predetermined time (t) being 4 seconds, said preset throttle position value being 11%, and said threshold battery voltage value being 8 volts.
7. The vehicle assist method (200) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle assist being independent of a rate of change of throttle opening.
8. A vehicle assist system (100) of a vehicle, said vehicle assist system (100) comprising:
a controller (102), said controller (102) being configured for providing vehicle assist;
an ISGISG machine (108), said ISGISG machine (108) being enabled by said controller (102);
an engine speed sensing unit (104), said engine speed sensing unit (104) being connected to said controller (102), and said engine speed sensing unit (104) being configured to detect a rotational speed of a crankshaft of an engine (112);
a throttle position sensing unit (106), said throttle position sensing unit (106) being configured to detect a throttle position value; and
a vehicle speed sensing unit (114), said vehicle speed sensing unit (114) being configured to detect a vehicle speed,
wherein said ISGISG machine (108) being controlled by said controller (102) for performing vehicle assist upon receiving one or more inputs from said throttle position sensing unit (106), said vehicle speed sensing unit (114), and said engine speed sensing unit (104).
9. The vehicle assist system (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein said vehicle assist including enabling (300) a vehicle assist performance and disabling (400) a vehicle assist performance by said controller (102).
10. The vehicle assist system (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein said enabling (300) vehicle assist performance includes steps of:
reading (302) said rotational speed of said engine (112), a battery voltage, said vehicle speed and said throttle position sensor value;
determining (304) said battery voltage being greater than a predetermined battery voltage value;
determining (304) said throttle position value being greater than a threshold throttle position value and said rotational speed of said engine (112) being greater than a threshold rotational speed of said engine (112);
determining (304) said vehicle speed being less than a predetermined vehicle speed value since previous assist enabling;
enabling (306) said vehicle assist performance for a predetermined time (t).
11. The vehicle assist system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein said predetermined time (t) being 4 seconds, said threshold rotational speed of said engine (112) being less than 3500 rpm, said predetermined vehicle speed being 5kmph, said threshold throttle position value being 13%, and said predetermined battery voltage value being 10 volts.
12. The vehicle assist system (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein said disabling vehicle assist performance includes steps of:
reading (402) said battery voltage, said throttle position value, and a time duration;
determining (404) said battery voltage being less than a threshold battery voltage value;
determining (404) said throttle position value being less than a preset throttle position value; and
determining (404) said time duration being greater than said predetermined time (t);
disabling (406) said vehicle assist performance by said controller (102).
13. The vehicle assist system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein said predetermined time (t) being 4 seconds, said preset throttle position value being 11%, and said threshold battery voltage value being 8 volts.
14. The vehicle assist system (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein vehicle assist performance being independent of a rate of change of throttle opening.