Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of an electric vehicle and, more particularly to a torque control system of a vehicle and a method thereof for avoiding a jerk when the rider starts their vehicle. This system helps in avoiding collision with any object which is in very close proximity to the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A torque control system of a vehicle are important because it improves a driver's convenience and minimized the chances of road accidents. The torque controlling means limiting a torque applied to a traction motor just before the vehicle is accelerated.
[0003] Many systems and methods are available in the market for controlling the torque of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle torque is controlled by adjusting an engine torque through the manipulation of various parameters that influence engine torque.
[0004] Many people face issues in controlling the torque while starting the vehicle. When the vehicle is accelerated then the motor suddenly receives maximum torque to move the vehicle which causes a jerk to the rider. This increases the chances of road accidents. In this kind of situation, conventionally the torque is controlled by a braking feature of the vehicle. The rider applies a break to control the torque when the rider starts their vehicle.
[0005] Conventionally, the rider also applies the break in the case when the vehicle is in close proximity to another vehicle. However, still the rider feels the jerk in the vehicle, and it causes discomfort to the rider.
[0006] For example, U.S. patent 7243011 B2 discloses a launch system for a hybrid vehicle. The system includes a pump, an electronic throttle, a sensor, and a hybrid control module. The pump is driven by an internal combustion engine and provides pressurized fluid to a transmission. The electronic throttle selectively adjusts airflow to the internal combustion engine and current to an electric motor. The sensor detects when a brake pedal has been released. The hybrid control module increases pressure of the pressurized fluid and limits torque transfer from at least one of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the sensor detects that the brake pedal has been released until a predetermined condition has been met. The hybrid control module increases pressure of the pressurized fluid with the pump by increasing the revolutions of the internal combustion engine and limits torque to the transmission by retarding the responsiveness of the electronic throttle.
[0007] The above patent discloses a transmission oil line pressure that is maintained to prime the transmission and eliminate the jerk upon a vehicle launch. This line pressure provides system cooling, and torque transfer, and is the primary control medium of an automatic transmission.
[0008] In none of the conventional systems and devices, there is any specification of the motor controller that limits a torque applied to a traction motor upto a predefined torque limit for a specific time period, when the vehicle has to start after stop, and/or the vehicle speed is less or equal to a vehicle threshold speed.
[0009] In light of the above-stated discussion, there is a need for a novel torque control system for a vehicle and a method thereof for limiting the torque to the predefined torque limit for the specific time period in order to give a smooth transition from a static state to a moving state of the vehicle. This system eliminates the jerkiness that occurs in the vehicle while starting the vehicle.
OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] A primary objective of the present disclosure is to provide a torque control system for a vehicle for avoiding a jerk when the rider starts their vehicle.
[0011] Another objective is to provide the torque control system for the vehicle for avoiding collision with any object which is in very close proximity to the vehicle.
[0012] Another objective is to provide the torque control system for the vehicle that provides the motor controller that limits the torque applied to a traction motor upto a predefined torque limit for a specific time period, when the vehicle has to start after stop, and/or the vehicle speed is less or equal to a vehicle threshold speed.
[0013] Another objective is to provide the torque control system for the vehicle that is easy in design, economical, and reduces manual efforts of torque control while riding the vehicle on the road.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide the torque control system of the vehicle that provides a seamless driving experience for the rider by making the system automatic to operate conveniently since the torque is always limited by the motor controller.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide the system for controlling the vehicle torque just before the starting of the vehicle as per the surroundings of the vehicle that reduces the chances of road accidents.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide the system for controlling vehicle torque that is helpful in riding on a bumpy road, a dense traffic area, a hilly road, and multi-level parking lots, among others.
[0017] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide the torque control system for the vehicle that is cost-effective.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0018] The following is a summary description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is provided as a preface to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed design discussion which ensues and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims which are appended hereto in order to particularly point out the invention.
[0019] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a torque control system of a vehicle. The system includes a plurality of sensors, a vehicle, and a motor controller. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding architecture, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the systems.
[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of sensors are configured with the vehicle for monitoring a trajectory and proximity objects around a vicinity of the vehicle to generate a corresponding signal. Further, the plurality of sensors is anyone of a proximity sensor like a RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) and a LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) sensor.
[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the RADAR sensor is any one of a front radar sensor or a rear radar sensor that is used for detecting the distances between the vehicle and the proximity objects.
[0022] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of sensors may also be configured with a camera that is a 3600 camera that enables the system to project a view of the surrounding area of the vehicle.
[0023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the motor controller is communicably coupled with the plurality of sensors. Further, the motor controller limits a torque applied to a traction motor upto a predefined torque limit for a specific time period according to the corresponding signal, when the vehicle has to start after stop, and/or the vehicle speed is less or equal to a vehicle threshold speed.
[0024] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle threshold speed is the minimum speed of the vehicle set by a user at a start of the torque control system. Further, the torque is anyone of a zero torque, a positive torque, or a negative torque.
[0025] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the motor controller limits the positive torque that has to be applied to the traction motor when the vehicle is stopped and has to start, and the motor controller limits the negative torque that has to be applied to the traction motor when the vehicle speed is greater than the vehicle threshold speed.
[0026] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system is configured with an input interface that is anyone of a smartphone, a laptop, a dashboard, or a button placed on the vehicle, among others.
[0027] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling torque of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes a plurality of sensors, a vehicle, and a motor controller for performing multiple steps. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding architecture, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.
[0028] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in the first step, the plurality of sensors are configured with the vehicle to monitor a trajectory and proximity objects around a vicinity of the vehicle to generate a corresponding signal. In the last step, the motor controller is communicably coupled with the plurality of sensors to limit a torque applied to a traction motor upto a predefined torque limit for a specific time period according to the corresponding signal. Further, the above functionality takes place when the vehicle has to start after stop, and/or the vehicle speed is less or equal to a vehicle threshold speed.
[0029] These and other aspects herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawing. The foregoing objectives are attained by employing the torque control system and the method thereof for providing a seamless driving experience for the rider by making the system automatic to operate conveniently, since the torque is always limited by the motor controller.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0030] To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can derive other implementations from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts. All of the embodiments or the implementations shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
[0031] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a torque control system 100 of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and
[0032] Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for controlling torque of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0033] It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of a few examples of the present disclosure. The figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that the accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.
[0035] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain terms employed in the specification, and examples are collected here. These definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.
[0036] The articles "a", "an" and "the" are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.
[0037] The terms "comprise" and "comprising" are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed as "consists of only". Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.
[0038] The term "including" is used to mean "including but not limited to". "Including" and "including but not limited to" are used interchangeably. The accompanying drawing is used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the alternatives presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawing. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawing. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0039] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "may," "might," "may," “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain alternatives include, while other alternatives do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more alternatives or that one or more alternatives necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular alternative. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
[0040] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain alternatives require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
[0041] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a torque control system 100 of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system 100 includes a plurality of sensors 102, a vehicle 104, and a motor controller 108. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding architecture, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the systems.
[0042] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 104 is an electric vehicle that is any of a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) Fuel Cell electric vehicle (FCEV), a two-wheeler electric vehicle, a three-wheeler electric vehicle, among others.
[0043] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of sensors 102 are configured with the vehicle 104 for monitoring a trajectory and proximity objects around a vicinity of the vehicle 104 to generate a corresponding signal. Further, the plurality of sensors 102 is anyone of a proximity sensor like a RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) and a LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) sensor.
[0044] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the RADAR sensor is any one of a front radar sensor or a rear radar sensor that is used for detecting the distances between the vehicle 104 and the proximity objects. Further, the front radar sensor allows the system 100 to detect the distance between the vehicle 104 and the proximity objects when the vehicle is moving in a forward direction. Similarly, the rear radar sensor allows the system 100 to detect the distance between the vehicle 104 and the proximity objects when the vehicle is moving in a reverse direction.
[0045] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of sensors 102 may also be configured with a camera 106 that is attached to the vehicle 104 for capturing images of the trajectory and the proximity objects around the vehicle 104. Further, the camera 106 is a 3600 camera that enables the system 100 to project a view of the surrounding area of the vehicle 104.
[0046] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the motor controller 108 is communicably coupled with the plurality of sensors 102. Further, the motor controller 108 limits a torque applied to a traction motor 110 upto a predefined torque limit for a specific time period according to the corresponding signal, when the vehicle 104 has to start after stop, and/or the vehicle speed is less or equal to a vehicle threshold speed.
[0047] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the traction motor 110 is anyone of a DC (Direct Current) Series Motor, a Brushless DC Motor (BLDC), a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), a Three Phase AC Induction Motors, or a Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM).
[0048] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle threshold speed is the minimum speed of the vehicle 104 set by a user at a start of the torque control system 100. Further, the torque is anyone of a zero torque, a positive torque, or a negative torque.
[0049] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the motor controller 108 limits the positive torque that has to be applied to the traction motor 110 when the vehicle 104 is stopped and has to start, and the motor controller 108 limits the negative torque that has to be applied to the traction motor 110 when the vehicle speed is greater than the vehicle threshold speed.
[0050] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the torque is a vector quantity that has direction as well as magnitude. The torque is the turning or rotational power of the traction motor 110. When the vehicle 104 accelerates, the torque produces and applied to the traction motor 110 for providing the speed to the vehicle 104. The zero torque means no acceleration applies to the vehicle 104. The positive torque means the acceleration of the vehicle 104 is high and the negative torque means the acceleration of the vehicle 104 is low.
[0051] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 is configured with an input interface 112 that is anyone of a smartphone, a laptop, a dashboard, or a button placed on the vehicle 104, among others.
[0052] Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for controlling a torque of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The method 200 includes a plurality of sensors 102, a vehicle 104, and a motor controller 108 for performing multiple steps. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding architecture, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.
[0053] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of sensors 102 are configured with the vehicle 104 to monitor a trajectory and proximity objects around a vicinity of the vehicle 104 to generate a corresponding signal as shown in step 202. Further, the motor controller 108 is communicably coupled with the plurality of sensors 102 to limit a torque applied to a traction motor 110 upto a predefined torque limit for a specific time period according to the corresponding signal, as shown in step 204. Further, the above functionality takes place when the vehicle 104 has to start after stop, as shown in step 206, and/or the vehicle speed is less or equal to a vehicle threshold speed, as shown in step 208.
[0054] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of sensors 102 is anyone of a proximity sensor like a RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) and a LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) sensor.
[0055] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the RADAR sensor is any one of a front radar sensor or a rear radar sensor that is used for detecting the distances between the vehicle 104 and the proximity objects. Further, the front radar sensor allows the system 100 to detect the distance between the vehicle 104 and the proximity objects when the vehicle is moving in a forward direction. Similarly, the rear radar sensor allows the system 100 to detect the distance between the vehicle 104 and the proximity objects when the vehicle is moving in a reverse direction.
[0056] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of sensors 102 may also be configured with a camera 106 that is a 3600 camera that enables the method 200 to project a view of the surrounding area of the vehicle 104. Further, the system 100 or the method 200 may also use multiple cameras in order to take a separate view such as front view, rear view and side views.
[0057] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle threshold speed is the minimum speed of the vehicle 104 set by a user at a start of the torque control method 200. Further, the torque is anyone of a zero torque, a positive torque, or a negative torque.
[0058] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the motor controller 108 limits the positive torque that has to be applied to the traction motor 110 when the vehicle 104 is stopped and has to start, and the motor controller 108 limits the negative torque that has to be applied to the traction motor 110 when the vehicle speed is greater than the vehicle threshold speed.
[0059] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method 200 is configured with an input interface 112 that is anyone of a smartphone, a laptop, a dashboard, or a button placed on the vehicle 104, among others. The torque limit and the specific time period is set through the input interface 112.
[0060] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the vehicle 104 is in a dense traffic area and the rider starts the vehicle 104 to move forward in the traffic. At that time, the vehicle 104 accelerates and the torque applied to the traction motor 110 is limited by the motor controller 108 upto the predefined torque limit for the specific time period according to the corresponding signal. Further, the corresponding signal is generated by the plurality of sensors 102 that may also be configured with the camera 106 that is placed in the system 100 for monitoring the trajectory and proximity objects (generally another vehicle) around the vicinity of the vehicle 104. So, the vehicle 104 does not provide jerk to the rider and also avoids collision with the proximity objects.
[0061] In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the present invention helps in avoiding the jerk when the rider starts their vehicle 104. Further, this system 100 helps in avoiding collision with any object which is in very close proximity to the vehicle 104.
[0062] In accordance with another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, this invention is easy in design, economical, and reduces manual efforts of torque control while riding the vehicle 104 on the road. This invention provides a seamless driving experience for the rider by making the system 100 automatic to operate conveniently since the applied torque is always limited by the motor controller 108.
[0063] In accordance with another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, this invention is used for controlling the vehicle torque just before the starting of the vehicle 104 according to the surroundings of the vehicle 104 which reduces the chances of road accidents. Further, this invention is helpful in riding on a bumpy road, the dense traffic area, a hilly road, and multi-level parking lots, among others. This is a cost-effective invention.
[0064] While the detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various alternatives, it can be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As can be recognized, certain alternatives described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others.
[0065] The disclosures and the description herein are intended to be illustrative and are not in any sense limiting the invention, defined in scope by the following claims.
, C , Claims:We claim:
1. A torque control system of a vehicle, comprising:
a plurality of sensors 102 configured with a vehicle 104 for monitoring a trajectory and proximity objects around a vicinity of the vehicle 104 to generate a corresponding signal; and
a motor controller 108 communicably coupled with the plurality of sensors 102, wherein the motor controller 108 limits a torque applied to a traction motor 110 upto a predefined torque limit for a specific time period according to the corresponding signal, when:
the vehicle 104 has to start after stop; and/or
the vehicle speed is less or equal to a vehicle threshold speed.
2. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system 100 is configured with an input interface 112 that is anyone of a smartphone, a laptop, a dashboard, or a button placed on the vehicle 104, among others.
3. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle threshold speed is the minimum speed of the vehicle 104 set by a user at a start of the torque control system 100.
4. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torque is anyone of a zero torque, a positive torque, or a negative torque.
5. The system 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein the motor controller 108 limits the positive torque that has to be applied to the traction motor 110 when the vehicle 104 is stopped and has to start, and the motor controller 108 limits the negative torque that has to be applied to the traction motor 110 when the vehicle speed is greater than the vehicle threshold speed.
6. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors 102 is anyone of a proximity sensor like a RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) and a LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) sensor.
7. The system 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein the RADAR sensor is any one of a front radar sensor or a rear radar sensor that is used for detecting the distances between the vehicle 104 and the proximity objects.
8. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors 102 may also be configured with a camera 106 that is a 3600 camera that enables the system 100 to project a view of the surrounding area of the vehicle 104.
9. A method for controlling torque of a vehicle, comprising:
monitoring, by a plurality of sensors 102 configured with a vehicle 104, a trajectory and proximity objects around a vicinity of the vehicle 104 to generate a corresponding signal; and
limiting, by a motor controller 108 communicably coupled with the plurality of sensors 102, a torque applied to a traction motor 110 upto a predefined torque limit for a specific time period according to the corresponding signal, when:
the vehicle 104 has to start after stop; and/or
the vehicle speed is less or equal to a vehicle threshold speed.
10. The method 200 as claimed in claim 9, wherein further configuring an input interface 112 that is anyone of a smartphone, a laptop, a dashboard, or a button placed on the vehicle 104, among others.
11. The method 200 as claimed in claim 9, wherein the vehicle threshold speed is the minimum speed of the vehicle 104 set by a user at a start of the torque control method 200.
12. The method 200 as claimed in claim 9, wherein the torque is anyone of a zero torque, a positive torque, or a negative torque.
13. The method 200 as claimed in claim 12, wherein the motor controller 108 limits the positive torque that has to be applied to the traction motor 110 when the vehicle 104 is stopped and has to start, and the motor controller 108 limits the negative torque that has to be applied to the traction motor 110 when the vehicle speed is greater than the vehicle threshold speed.
14. The method 200 as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plurality of sensors 102 is anyone of a proximity sensor like a RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) and a LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) sensor.
15. The method 200 as claimed in claim 14, wherein the RADAR sensor is any one of a front radar sensor or a rear radar sensor that is used for detecting the distances between the vehicle 104 and the proximity objects.
16. The method 200 as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of sensors 102 may also be configured with a camera 106 that is a 3600 camera that enables the method 200 to project a view of the surrounding area of the vehicle 104.