DESC:TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICTIONS
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202321065127 filed on 28/09/2023, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
Generally, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle transmission, and more particularly, to a gear shift recommendation system and method for an electric vehicle having a manual transmission.
BACKGROUND
Generally, vehicles are equipped with manual or automatic transmissions and selecting a right gear at the right time is essential for efficient driving. Basically, gears control the transmission of power that receive from the engine and/or battery and send to the wheels. Improper gear selection leads to impacting the vehicle speed, fuel and/or battery efficiency, and overall performance of the vehicle. Presently, in manual transmission of vehicles drivers must decide when to shift gears based on the vehicle’s speed, load, and road conditions. Similarly, in automatic transmission vehicles gear shifts are executed by the vehicle’s control system which uses pre-programmed rules to determine gear changes.
However, both manual and automatic transmission systems face challenges in achieving optimal gear selection under dynamic driving condition. In manual transmission systems drivers may struggle to consistently select the most efficient gear, especially in complex situations such as stop-and-go traffic, steep inclines, or while towing. This can lead to increased fuel and/or battery consumption, reduced vehicle efficiency, and accelerated wear on vehicle components. Similarly, while automatic transmissions system aims to reduce the burden on drivers by automating gear shifts, the system often relies on limited vehicle parameters such as vehicle RPM and throttle position and may not always choose the most suitable efficient gear for changing driving environments. Further in automatic transmissions system one of the common problems faced by drivers is the rubber band effect which refers to the sensation of delayed or sluggish acceleration when the driver presses the accelerator. Furthermore, the rubber band effect occurs because the system is designed to optimize efficiency and smooth driving by continuously adjusting the gear ratio. However, this optimization can lead to a lag in power delivery, where the engine revs up but the vehicle takes a moment to accelerate. This delay between the driver's input (pressing the accelerator) and the vehicle's response creates a feeling of disconnected or delayed performance, especially during rapid acceleration.
Conventionally, existing gear recommendation systems for manual vehicles have been developed to assist drivers in selecting the appropriate gear. These systems typically use basic inputs like vehicle speed or vehicle velocity and so forth to provide gear suggestions. However, the system fails to consider important factors such as road incline, vehicle load, and real-time driving conditions which are critical factor for optimal gear selection. Moreover, the systems suffer from delayed recommendations and are not flexible enough to adapt to varying driving styles or environments. Similarly, in the case of automatic transmissions the fixed nature of the shifting logic limits the adaptability and leading to sub-optimal gear shifts under specific conditions, such as when driving on hilly terrain or in heavy traffic environments.
Furthermore, the current systems often lack real-time processing capability and fail to integrate multiple vehicle parameters which resulting in either inaccurate or delayed in gear recommendations. These systems also typically expensive and difficult to retrofit into existing vehicles and limiting their accessibility for widespread use. Additionally, these systems also struggle to determine the best gear when the vehicle is in different driving states, such as during acceleration, deceleration, or when maintaining a steady speed. This makes it difficult to always recommend the optimal gear and leading to lower driving efficiency and performance.
Thus, there is a need for a system capable of accurately and efficiently recommending a gear shift suggestion during dynamic driving condition of the vehicle.
SUMMARY
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a gearshift recommendation system for an electric vehicle having a manual transmission.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of gearshift recommendation for an electric vehicle having a manual transmission.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a gearshift recommendation system for an electric vehicle having a manual transmission, wherein the system comprises:
- a sensing module configured to sense a plurality of vehicle parameters from a plurality of vehicle components;
- a data processing unit communicably coupled with the sensing module, and configured to:
- receive the sensed plurality of vehicle parameters;
- determine a drive line efficiency of a driven gear for the received plurality of vehicle parameters;
- determine the drive line efficiency of remaining gears for the received plurality of vehicle parameters; and
- determine a recommended gear based on the determined drive line efficiency of the driven gear and the remaining gears.
The gearshift recommendation system and method for an electric vehicle having a manual transmission, as described in the present disclosure, is advantageous in terms of accurately determining most suitable driving gear and timely sending the gear recommendations to the driver. Thus, assisting drivers in selecting the most appropriate gear for the current driving conditions. Further the system allows drivers to make better-informed gear shifts suggestion thus improving both vehicle performance and fuel and/or battery efficiency. Beneficially, by suggesting the most energy efficient gear based on current driving conditions the system enables the drivers to achieve optimal energy consumption. More advantageously, by recommending a gearshift, the system reduces unnecessary strain on the motor and transmission which leads to less wear and tear on critical vehicle components thus extending the vehicle’s lifespan and reducing the expensive repairs.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of gearshift recommendation for an electric vehicle having a manual transmission, wherein the method comprising:
- sensing a plurality of vehicle parameters for a plurality of vehicle components;
- determining a drive line efficiency of a driven gear;
- determining the drive line efficiency of remaining gears; and
- determining a recommended gear based on the determined drive line efficiency of the driven gear and the remaining gears.
Additional aspects, advantages, features, and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments constructed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
Figures 1 and 2, illustrate block diagrams of a gearshift recommendation system for an electric vehicle having a manual transmission, in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method of gearshift recommendation for an electric vehicle having a manual transmission, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4A illustrates graphical representation of suggested gear vs current gear & driveline efficiency of all the gears. The graph specifically focuses on downshift suggestion of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4B illustrates graphical representation of suggested gear vs current gear & driveline efficiency of all the gears. The graph specifically focuses on upshift suggestion of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item from which the arrow is starting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
As used herein, the terms, electric vehicle”, “EV”, “EVs” and “vehicle” are used interchangeably and refer to any vehicle powered by one or more electric motors where energy is supplied through onboard energy storage systems such as batteries, supercapacitors, or hydrogen fuel cells. However, in the context of present disclosure, the electric vehicle may include a manual transmission system to manually shift gears. Further, the electric vehicle may include but not limited to automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, motorbikes, and scooters.
As used herein, the terms “gearshift recommendation system”, and “system” are used interchangeably and refer to a system which assist to driver of a of electric vehicle having a manual transmission in selecting the optimal gear based on real-time analysis of vehicle and/or environmental parameters. The system may be adapted for various vehicle types, including but not limited to electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and internal combustion engine vehicles and so forth.
As used herein, the terms “sensing module” and “sensor” refer to a hardware or software-based system that integrates multiple sensors to monitor or sense different vehicle parameter, vehicle conditions and external factors. These sensors may include, but not limited to, accelerometers, gyroscopes, throttle position sensor, clutch position sensor, load sensors, GPS modules, speed sensors, motor current sensors, temperature sensors, and torque sensors. The sensing module collects data in real time and communicates this information to the data processing unit for analysis. The module may also include wireless or wired communication capabilities for interfacing with external systems like cloud-based servers and so forth.
As used herein, the term “vehicle parameters” and “parameter” refers to a dynamic and static data points or parameter related to the vehicle’s operation and status. This may include real-time data such as, speed, motor RPM, battery charge level, torque, throttle input and position, clutch position, temperature, ride modes, load, braking status, wheel traction and so forth. Further, the vehicle parameters also may include environmental factors like road surface conditions, slope, and weather conditions. The gearshift recommendation system may use these parameters to generate the most appropriate gearshift suggestions to the driver.
As used herein, the term “data processing unit” and “processing unit” and “data processing module” and “processing module” are used interchangeably and refers to a component or unit or module that configured for receiving, sharing, analysing, and processing data from various sensors and modules. The unit may include but not limited to a dedicated microprocessor, microcontroller, or any computational device that includes hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The unit is configured to perform complex calculations, execute algorithms, and make real-time decisions based on the data inputs. Further, the unit may be in cloud-server that wirelessly connects with the vehicle.
As used herein, the term “vehicle components” refers to an all structural, mechanical, electrical, and electronic part of the vehicle that contribute to vehicle and system operation. This may include but not limited, drive train unit (DTU), a motor, a gearbox, a wheel, battery and a combination thereof.
As used herein, the term “drive line efficiency” refers to a ratio of the mechanical power output delivered to the wheels (or driven gear) relative to the power input from the motor. The efficiency considers all losses in the drivetrain components, including friction in the gearbox, driveshaft, differentials, and other mechanical elements.
As used herein, the terms “driven gear”, and “current gear” refers to an any currently engaged gear in the manual transmission system that transmits power from the motor to the wheels. The gearshift recommendation system evaluates the current driven gear and recommends whether to maintain, upshift, or downshift to optimize performance.
As used herein, the term “remaining gears” and “rest of the gears “refers to available gears in the manual transmission system that are not currently engaged. The gearshift recommendation system evaluates all remaining gears to determine which is most appropriate to engage next by considering multiple vehicle parameter. The system analyses the potential impact of shifting into any of the remaining gears and provides the driver with the best recommendation.
As used herein, the term “ride mode” and “vehicle mode” refers to a user-selectable or system-determined configuration that alters the vehicle’s performance characteristics, such as throttle response, torque delivery, speed, and gearshift timing. Further, the ride modes may include settings such as "Eco," "Sport," "Off-road," or "Normal," and “city” each of these may modify the behaviour of the gearshift recommendation system. These modes allow the system to provide optimized gear recommendations based on the selected driving style or environmental conditions.
As used herein, the terms “drive train unit” and “DTU” are used interchangeably and refer to a set of mechanical and electrical components responsible for transmitting power from the motor to the wheels. This may include the gearbox, clutch, shaft, differential, axles, and any electronic control systems associated with these components. The drive train unit may work in conjunction with the gearshift recommendation system to ensure smooth power delivery and optimal gear selection based on real-time data.
As used herein, the terms “Memory Module” and “memory” are used interchangeably and refer to an any storage component, unit, or system capable of retaining, storing, or providing access to data, instructions, algorithms, parameters, or any other relevant information. The memory module may include volatile or non-volatile memory types, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or any suitable data storage technology.
As used herein, the terms “motor” and “machine” are used interchangeably and refer to an electric motor that powers the vehicle by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the wheels. The gearshift recommendation system monitors motor parameters such as RPM, speed, torque output, power consumption and so forth. The motor may include but is not limited to AC motor, DC motor, permanent magnet motor, synchronous motor, induction motor, switch reluctance motor, BLDC motor and so forth.
As used herein, the terms “gearbox”, “gear case” and “combination of gear” refer to a manual transmission system that allows the driver to select different gear ratios to control the power output from the motor to the wheels. The gearbox includes a set of gears and associated mechanical components designed to transmit power efficiently across varying speed and torque ranges.
As used herein, the terms “wheel”, and “tire” refer to part of the vehicle that contacts with the road surface and receives mechanical power from the drivetrain. The gearshift recommendation system may considers wheel speed, torque delivery, and traction to recommend optimal gear shifts that ensure efficient power transmission and vehicle stability.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a gearshift recommendation system for an electric vehicle having a manual transmission, wherein the system comprises:
- a sensing module configured to sense a plurality of vehicle parameters from a plurality of vehicle components;
- a data processing unit communicably coupled with the sensing module, and configured to:
- receive the sensed plurality of vehicle parameters;
- determine a drive line efficiency of a driven gear for the received plurality of vehicle parameters;
- determine the drive line efficiency of remaining gears for the received plurality of vehicle parameters; and
- determine a recommended gear based on the determined drive line efficiency of the driven gear and the remaining gears.

Referring to figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment, there is described a gearshift recommendation system 100 for an electric vehicle having a manual transmission. The system 100 comprises sensing module 102, a data processing unit 104. The system 100 suggesting the most energy efficient gear based on current driving conditions which enables the drivers to achieve optimal energy consumption, improve efficiency thus enhance the vehicle performance and improve driving range.
The sensing module 102 of the system 100 is configured to sense a plurality of vehicle parameters from various vehicle components in real-time. By continuously monitoring critical data points or parameters such as vehicle speed, torque, motor RPM, load, throttle position, and other relevant factors, the sensing module 102 enables the system 100 to have an accurate, up-to-the-moment understanding of the vehicle's operational state. In conventional manual transmission vehicles drivers manually scale the appropriate time to shift gears based on limited feedback often leading to suboptimal gear selection. This results in reduced vehicle efficiency, higher fuel or energy consumption, and increased wear on the drivetrain components. Advantageously, the sensing module 102, automates the collection of real-time data from various vehicle components. This data is fed into the gear shift recommendation system 100 and processes this data to generate optimal gear shift suggestions. Beneficially, the sensing module 102 allows the system 100 to evaluate real-time conditions more accurately than human judgment alone thus leading to better gear shift recommendations and safe operation. More beneficially, by analyzing multiple vehicle parameters simultaneously the system 100 ensures that the recommended gear is optimal for the current driving conditions thus enhancing drivability, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and reducing wear on the drivetrain components.
The data processing unit 104 is communicably coupled with the sensing module 102. The data processing unit 104 configured to receive the sensed plurality of vehicle parameters.
Referring to figure 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the data processing unit 104 comprises a memory module 106. The memory module 106 is configured to store pre-defined drive line efficiency values for the plurality of vehicle parameter associated with each gear of the manual transmission. The memory module 106 stores this pre-defined data in an organized way, usually as a lookup table. For example, for a certain vehicle speed, motor RPM and torque, the lookup table provides the driveline efficiency for the first gear, second gear, third gear, and fourth gear, and so forth. The data processing unit 104 may quickly retrieve these values from the memory module 106 when needed without requiring any time to calculate these.
The memory module 106 is configured for storing pre-defined values of the drive line efficiency for each gear corresponding to multiple vehicle parameter. Thus, advantageously, the data processing unit 104 does not need to calculate driveline efficiency in real-time, thus data processing unit 104 can focus on comparing the current conditions to the pre-stored values and suggesting the most appropriate efficient gear. This makes the system 100 highly responsive and reduces processing delays. More advantageously, by using pre-defined driveline efficiency values based on thorough testing and simulations, the system 100 ensures accurate gear shift recommendations that are optimized for both performance and energy efficiency and thus reduced computational load, ensuring smoother operation and faster decision-making.
In an embodiment, the drive line efficiency is a function of efficiencies of the plurality of vehicle components.
Referring to figure 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method 200 of gearshift recommendation for an electric vehicle having a manual transmission. The method 200 starts at a step 202. At the step 202, the method 200 comprises sensing a plurality of vehicle parameters for a plurality of vehicle components, by sensing module 102 (such as sensing module 102 of Fig. 1). At a step 204, the method 200 comprises determining a drive line efficiency of a driven gear by using a data processing unit 104 (such as data processing unit 104 of Fig. 1). At a step 206, the method 200 comprises determining the drive line efficiency of remaining gears, by a using a data processing unit 104 (such as the data processing unit 104 of Fig. 1). At a step 208, the method 200 comprises determining a recommended gear based on the determined drive line efficiency of the driven gear and the remaining gears, by using the data processing unit 104. The method 200 ends at the step 208.
Based on the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure advantageously, improved efficiency, accuracy and driving range of the vehicle.
It would be appreciated that all the explanations and embodiments of the system 100 also apply mutatis-mutandis to the method 200.
Referring to figure 4A in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is depicted a graphical representation of a suggested gear Vs current gear and driveline efficiency of all the gears. The graph specifically focuses on downshift suggestions of the system 100. The graph is a plot of suggested gear vs current gear and driveline efficiency of all gears. The X-axis represents time in seconds, starting from 0 seconds and increasing at regular intervals (2 seconds, 4 seconds, etc.). The Y-axis represents the gear in use, ranging from 1st gear to 4th gear and so on. The Y1-axis shows the driveline efficiency as a percentage, from 0% to 100%.
In initial state (0 to 12 sec), the vehicle starts in 3rd gear as indicated by the thick long dash (representing the current gear) and the system 100 continuously monitors real-time parameters, such as torque and RPM, and compares the driveline efficiencies for all gears, which are predefined and stored in the memory module 106 (look up table). During this period, no gear shift recommendation is made, as the system 100 finds 3rd gear to be efficient enough for the current conditions.
Further, around 12 seconds, the system 100 detects that the driveline efficiency of the 3rd gear is decreasing and the system 100 senses that 2nd gear offers a better driveline efficiency for the current vehicle parameters. However, the system 100 uses a 0.8-second debounce delay before confirming the gear shift recommendation to ensure that the change in vehicle parameters (like torque and RPM) is consistent and not momentary. Therefore, after this 0.8-second delay, the system 100 suggests shifting from 3rd gear to 2nd gear (chain thick double dash line) at around 12 seconds. Further, the comparison shows that 2nd gear provides better driveline efficiency for the current conditions. The driver shifts to 2nd gear, as confirmed by the long dash line which now aligns with the suggested gear (chain thick double dash line) at around 14 seconds. The system 100 continues to monitor vehicle parameters and driveline efficiency across the gears and no further downshift is recommended at this time as 2nd gear remains the most efficient for the current vehicle conditions.
Referring to figure 4B in accordance with an embodiment, the present disclosure is a suggested gear vs current gear and driveline efficiency of all the gears. The graph specifically focuses on upshift suggestions of the system 100. The graph is a plot of suggested gear vs current gear and driveline efficiency of all gears. The X-axis represents time in seconds, ranging from 0 to 18 second. The Y-axis indicates the gear in use, ranging from 1st gear to 6th gear and so on. The Y1-axis shows the driveline efficiency as a percentage, from 50% to 95%.
In the initial state (0 to 9 sec), the vehicle starts in 1st gear, as indicated by the thick long dash line representing the current active gear and at the beginning, 1st gear efficiency (solid line) increases to nearly 90%. Further the chain thick double dash line represents the system’s 100 suggested gear and during the initial phase, the system 100 recommends staying in 1st gear due to its high efficiency.
Further, around 9 to 10 seconds, the system 100 detects that 2nd gear's efficiency (thin dotted line) is becoming more favourable or higher as compared to 1st gear. As a result, the system 100 suggests an upshift to 2nd gear at around 9 seconds after a 0.8-second debounce delay, and the system 100 confirms the upshift.
In an embodiment, the data processing unit 104 configured to compare the determined drive line efficiency of the driven gear and the remaining gears, to determine the recommended gear.
In an embodiment, the data processing unit 104 once determines the gear shift is necessary (based on the comparison of pre-defined driveline efficiencies of current and remaining gears), the system 100 generates a gear shift suggestion. This gear shift suggestion (upshift or downshift) is communicated to the driver through a user interface integrated into the vehicle’s dashboard or instrument cluster. The system 100 may use a visual display, such as a gear shift indicator, which lights up or shows a numerical suggestion (e.g., "Shift to Gear 2"). Alternatively, system 100 may also provide an auditory signal, such as a beep, alerting the driver to the gear shift recommendation.
In an embodiment, the gear shift suggestion is an upshift suggestion: when a higher gear (e.g., shifting from 2nd gear to 3rd gear) offers better driveline efficiency, the system recommends an upshift via the display (e.g., “shift to 3rd gear”) and a downshift suggestion: similarly, when a lower gear (e.g., shifting from 3rd gear to 2nd gear) offers higher efficiency, the system displays a downshift recommendation (e.g., "shift to 2nd gear"). Further, the system 100 continuously updates its recommendations in real-time, so if the driving conditions change (such as an increase in motor RPM or torque). The system 100 may modify the suggested gear based on the new vehicle parameters
Modifications to embodiments and combinations of different embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, and “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A gearshift recommendation system 100 for an electric vehicle having a manual transmission, the system 100 comprises:
- a sensing module 104 configured to sense a plurality of vehicle parameters from a plurality of vehicle components;
- a data processing unit 104 communicably coupled with the sensing module, and configured to:
- receive the sensed plurality of vehicle parameters;
- determine a drive line efficiency of a driven gear for the received plurality of vehicle parameters;
- determine the drive line efficiency of remaining gears for the received plurality of vehicle parameters; and
- determine a recommended gear based on the determined drive line efficiency of the driven gear and the remaining gears.

2. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of vehicle parameters comprises at least one of a motor torque, a vehicle RPM, a vehicle speed, a throttle input, a clutch engagement, a ride mode or a combination thereof.
3. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of vehicle components comprises at least one of a drive train unit (DTU), a motor, a gear-box, a wheel or a combination thereof.
4. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive line efficiency is a function of efficiencies of the plurality of vehicle components.
5. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data processing unit 104 comprises a memory module 106 configured to store pre-defined drive line efficiency for the plurality of vehicle components, for each gear of the manual transmission.
6. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data processing unit 104 is configured to compare the determined drive line efficiency of the driven gear and the remaining gears, to determine the recommended gear.
7. A method 200 of gearshift recommendation for an electric vehicle having a manual transmission, the method comprising:
- sensing a plurality of vehicle parameters for a plurality of vehicle components;
- determining a drive line efficiency of a driven gear;
- determining the drive line efficiency of remaining gears; and
- determining a recommended gear based on the determined drive line efficiency of the driven gear and the remaining gears.