Title of Invention

A TORQUE ESTIMATION SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND A METHOD FOR THE SAME

Abstract A torque adaptation system is provided. The system includes: a torque error estimator module that estimates a torque error based on an error propagation model and a plurality of torque model parameters; and an adapt torque module that adapts a model torque based on the torque error.
Full Text GP-307911-PTE-CD
1
METHOD FOR ADAPTING TORQUE MODEL FOR IMPROVED
ZERO TORQUE IDENTIFICATION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems
for determining engine torque.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The statements in this section merely provide
background information related to the present disclosure and may not
constitute prior art.
[0003] Torque-based control can be implemented for internal
combustion engines to achieve a desired drive characteristic. An engine
torque-based control system interprets an accelerator pedal position of the
vehicle as an engine torque request. The engine is controlled to deliver
the requested engine torque to provide the desired drive characteristic.
Various torque models exist for predicting engine torque. As can be
appreciated, the models are not accurate for all desired drive
characteristics.
[0004] Errors in the torque models can affect overall drivability of
the vehicle. In particular, errors can affect clunk control. This is
particularly true around zero torque when clunk management is active.
Conventional systems account for errors in the torque model by applying
conservative lash zone boundaries (torque limits bounding zero torque

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where rate limiting is applied) which are padded to include torque error
tolerances. The consequence of this approach is degraded performance.
More time is spent getting through the rate limited zone for each torque
request that crosses zero thereby, sacrificing the response time of the
engine. Better torque accuracy, especially around zero torque, would
improve the response time by allowing the size of the lash zone to be
reduced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, a torque adaptation system is provided. The
system includes: a torque error estimator module that estimates a torque
error based on an error propagation model and a plurality of torque model
parameters; and an adapt torque module that adapts a model torque
based on the torque error.
[0006] In other features, a method for estimating engine torque
for use in controlling internal combustion engines is provided. The method
includes: computing a model torque based on a torque model; determining
a torque error model based on a propagation analysis of torque model
parameters of the torque model; applying an adaptation method to the
torque error model to determine a torque error; and computing an
estimated torque based on the torque error and the model torque.
[0007] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from
the description provided herein. It should be understood that the
description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

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DRAWINGS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The drawings described herein are for illustration
purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure in any way.
[0009] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a powertrain
within a vehicle.
[0010] Figure 2 is a dataflow diagram of an engine torque
estimation system.
[0011] Figure 3 is a dataflow diagram illustrating a torque error
estimator module.
[0012] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for estimating
torque error and adapting engine torque.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The following description is merely exemplary in nature
and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It
should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding
reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. As
used herein, the term module refers to an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or
group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware
programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components
that provide the described functionality.

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[0014] Referring now to Figure 1, a vehicle is shown generally at
10. The vehicle includes an engine 12 that drives a transmission 14
through a torque converter (TC) 16. Air is drawn into the engine 12
through a throttle 18. The air is mixed with fuel and combusted within
cylinders (not shown) of the engine 12 to produce engine torque. The
torque converter 16 supplies the engine torque to the transmission via an
input shaft 20.
[0015] An engine speed sensor 32 senses a rotational speed of
the engine 12 and generates an engine speed signal. A turbine speed
sensor 34 senses a rotational speed of a turbine in the torque converter
16 and generates a turbine speed signal. A temperature sensor 36
senses a temperature of the engine 12 and generates an engine
temperature signal. The temperature sensor 36 may sense the
temperature of at least one of engine coolant and engine oil. A control
module 40 receives the above mentioned signals and determines an
estimated engine torque value. The control module 40 controls the
operation of at least one of the engine 12 and the transmission 14 based
on the estimated engine torque.
[0016] Referring now to Figure 2, a dataflow diagram illustrates
various embodiments of an engine torque estimation system that may be
embedded within the control module 40. Various embodiments of torque
estimation systems according to the present disclosure may include any
number of sub-modules embedded within the control module 40. The
sub-modules shown may be combined and/or further partitioned to
similarly estimate engine torque. Inputs to the modules can be sensed

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from the vehicle 10, received from other control modules (not shown)
within the vehicle 10, or determined from other sub-modules within the
control module 40. In various embodiments, the control module 40 of
Figure 2 includes a torque error estimator module 50 and an adapt torque
module 52.
[0017] The torque error estimator module 50 estimates a torque
error 66 of the system using error propagation analysis on each input
parameter that may influence the overall error. Error can be introduced by
input parameters such as friction, accessory loads, torque model inputs
(i.e. air per cylinder, spark, engine speed, temperature), and errors in the
torque model itself. For ease of the discussion, the remainder of the
disclosure will be discussed using torque model inputs such as air per
cylinder 58, spark 60, and engine speed 62 as the input parameters. The
torque error estimator module 50 employs a regression method to control
the rate of adaptation of the error from each input parameter. The adapt
torque module 52 receives as input the estimated torque error 66 and a
model torque 57. The adapt torque module 52 adapts the model torque
57 based on the estimated torque error 66. The adapted torque 68 is
output by the adapt torque module 52 for use by other modules within the
control module 40.
[0018] Referring to Figure 3, a dataflow diagram illustrates the
torque error estimator module 50 in more detail. The torque error
estimator module 50 can include: an enable module 70, a torque converter
(TC) torque module 71, a comparison module 72, and an error module 74.
The TC torque module 71 determines a TC torque 56 based on a multi-

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region Kotwicki model. Teachings of the Kotwicki model can be found in
SAE paper No 820393, 1983. A multi-region Kotwicki model is illustrated
by the following equation:

The regions α1(i) , α2(i) , and α3(i)can be defined by slip ratio where
slip ratio is determined from turbine speed and engine or pump
In various embodiments, three regions can be defined where: α1(i)is
defined by slip ratios less than 0.90; α2(i) is defined by slip ratios
between 0.90 and 1.03; and α3(i) is defined by slip ratios greater
than 1.03.
[0019] To implement the adaptation method using the Kotwicki
model, enabling criteria can be established to prevent adaptation in areas
where the model is known to be invalid. The enable module 70 receives
as input engine speed 62 and turbine speed 64, determines a slip and a
slip ratio, and evaluates enable conditions based on the slip and the slip
ratio. In various embodiments, enable conditions for adaptation using a
multi-region Kotwicki model can be as follows: slip ratio less than 0.80;
slip ratio greater than 1.08; and steady state conditions. Steady state
conditions can be determined from a derivative of a delta slip.
speed and by the following equation:

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[0020] The comparison module 72 computes a torque difference
78 based on the TC torque 56 and the model torque 57. The comparison
module 72 sets the torque difference 78 equal to a difference between the
TC torque 56 and the model torque 57. The error module 74 receives as
input the torque difference 78, the enable flag 76, and various parameters.
When the enable flag is TRUE, the error module 74 adapts the error
model by incorporating the current torque difference 78 into the current
error model. The structure of the error model is pre-determined from an
error propagation analysis on any of such parameters that influence errors
in the torque computation. Such parameters may include friction,
accessory loads, and various input parameters to a torque model.
[0021] In various embodiments, a total error (Etotal) can be a
summation of the error from friction (Efric), the error from accessory loads
(Eacc), the error from torque model inputs (Einputs), and known errors in the
model (Emodel), as shown as:
Etotal = E fric + Eacc + Einputs + Emodel. (3)
[0022] Efric can be determined from a viscous error (Eviscous)
determined as a function of engine speed (RPM) and fluid temperature
(Temp), and a coulombic friction error (Ecoulombic ) determined as a function
of fluid temperature (Temp). The computation can be shown as:
Efric = Eviscous(RPM,Temp) + Ecoulombic(Temp). (4)

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[0023] Eacc is based on various electrical loads of the vehicle
that impact torque such as power steering (EP.S.), an alternator (Eair ), and
accessory components (EAC1) and (EAC0). The computation can be
shown as:
Eacc = EP.S. (SteeringWkelAngle) + Ealt(ElectricaLoads) + EAC1 (RPM) + EAC0 (5)
[0024] Einputs can be determined based on an air per cylinder
error (Eapc(APC,RPM)), an exhaust gas regeneration error (Eegr(EGR)), a
spark error (Espk(Spk,RPM)), a constant error (Econstant), and any engine
speed related errors (E(RPM)). The computation can be shown as:
Einput = Eapc(APC,RPM) + Eegr(EGR) + Espk(Spk,RPM) + Econstant + E(RPM) . (6)
[0025] A simplified torque error model with lumped terms and
assuming linear dominance produces:
E1 = θ1 RPM + θ2 APC + θ3 SPK + θ4. (7)
A more detailed analysis of each individual term would produce a more
complex equation containing higher order terms such as:
E2 = θ1RPM2 · APC + θ2 RPM · APC + θ3APC + θ4SPK ·RPM +Λ
Λ θ5 * SPK + θ6 RPM • Temp + θ7Temp +•θ8 RPM + θ9 . (8)
Where the theta terms (θ1-θx ) are determined based on an adaptive
strategy such as a weighted recursive least squares (WRLS) method. The
estimated torque error (E) is output for use by the adapt torque module 52
of Figure 2.

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[0026] Referring now to Figure 4, a flowchart illustrates a
method of adapting engine torque. The method can be performed
continually during engine operation. Control computes a TC torque based
on a multi-region Kotwicki model as discussed above at 100. Control
evaluates the enable conditions at 102. If the enable conditions are met at
102, a measured error is determined from a model torque and the TC
torque at 104. The error model estimates a torque error and is adapted to
the measured error using an adaptation method such as weighed
recursive least squares at 106. The estimated torque error is then applied
to the model torque at 108.
[0027] Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the
foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present disclosure
can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure
has been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the
true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other
modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study
of the drawings, specification, and the following claims.

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CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. A torque estimation system for controlling an internal
combustion engine, comprising:
a torque error estimator module that estimates a torque error
based on an error propagation model and a plurality of torque model
parameters; and
an adapt torque module that adapts a model torque based
on the torque error.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a torque model
module that computes a model torque based on a mathematical torque
model.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the torque model is at least
one of a regression torque model and a physical model.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the torque error estimator
module comprises:
a torque converter torque module that computes a torque
converter (TC) torque based on a torque converter model;
a comparison module that computes a difference between
the TC torque and the model torque; and

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an error module that generates the torque error based on the
difference, the error propagation model, and the plurality of torque model
parameters.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein the torque converter model is
a multi-region Kotwicki model.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein regions of the multi-region
Kotwicki model are based on slip.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of torque model
parameters are at least one of spark, engine speed, and air per cylinder.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of torque model
parameters are based on at least one of friction, engine load, and
accessory load.
9. The system of claim 1 further comprising an enable module
that selectively enables the torque error estimator to estimate the torque
error wherein the enable module selectively enables the torque error
estimation based on slip ratio and steady state conditions.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the enable module
determines slip ratio based on engine speed and turbine speed.

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11. The system of claim 9 wherein the steady state conditions
are determined from a derivative of a delta slip.
12. A method for estimating engine torque for use in controlling
internal combustion engines, comprising:
computing a model torque based on a torque model;
determining a torque error model based on an error
propagation analysis of torque model parameters of the torque model;
applying an adaptation method to the torque error model to
determine a torque error; and
computing an estimated torque based on the torque error
and the model torque.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the determining comprises
determining the torque error model when enable conditions are met and
wherein the enable conditions are based on slip and steady state
conditions.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising computing slip
based on engine speed and turbine speed.
15. The method of claim 13 further comprising determining
steady state conditions based on a derivative of a delta slip.

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16. The method of claim 12 wherein the adaptation method is a
weighted recursive least squares method.
17. The method of claim 12 wherein the computing an estimated
torque comprises adding the torque error to the model torque.
18. The method of claim 12 wherein the computing a model
torque comprises computing a model torque based on a mathematical
model of torque.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the mathematical model is
at least one of a regression torque model and a physical model.
Dated this 31st day of AUGUST 2007

A torque adaptation system is provided. The system includes: a
torque error estimator module that estimates a torque error based on an
error propagation model and a plurality of torque model parameters; and
an adapt torque module that adapts a model torque based on the torque
error.

Documents:

01218-kol-2007-abstract.pdf

01218-kol-2007-assignment.pdf

01218-kol-2007-claims.pdf

01218-kol-2007-correspondence others 1.1.pdf

01218-kol-2007-correspondence others 1.2.pdf

01218-kol-2007-correspondence others.pdf

01218-kol-2007-description complete.pdf

01218-kol-2007-drawings.pdf

01218-kol-2007-form 1.pdf

01218-kol-2007-form 2.pdf

01218-kol-2007-form 3.pdf

01218-kol-2007-form 5.pdf

01218-kol-2007-priority document.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-ABSTRACT 1.1.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-ABSTRACT-1.2.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-CLAIMS 1.1.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-CLAIMS-1.2.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.1.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.3.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.4.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.5.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1218-kol-2007-correspondence1.6.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE)-1.2.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-DESCRIPTION COMPLETE 1.1.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-DRAWINGS-1.1.pdf

1218-kol-2007-examination report.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-FORM 1.pdf

1218-kol-2007-form 18.1.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-FORM 18.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-FORM 2-1.1.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-FORM 2-1.2.pdf

1218-kol-2007-form 26.1.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-FORM 26.pdf

1218-kol-2007-form 3.1.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-FORM 3.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-FORM 5-1.1.pdf

1218-kol-2007-form 5.pdf

1218-kol-2007-granted-abstract.pdf

1218-kol-2007-granted-claims.pdf

1218-kol-2007-granted-description (complete).pdf

1218-kol-2007-granted-drawings.pdf

1218-kol-2007-granted-form 1.pdf

1218-kol-2007-granted-form 2.pdf

1218-kol-2007-granted-specification.pdf

1218-kol-2007-others.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

1218-KOL-2007-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

1218-kol-2007-reply to examination report1.1.pdf

1218-kol-2007-translated copy of priority document.pdf

abstract-01218-kol-2007.jpg


Patent Number 250561
Indian Patent Application Number 1218/KOL/2007
PG Journal Number 02/2012
Publication Date 13-Jan-2012
Grant Date 10-Jan-2012
Date of Filing 31-Aug-2007
Name of Patentee GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Applicant Address 300 GM RENAISSANCE CENTER, DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 DAVID J. STROH 38251 SARATOGA CIRCLE, FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN 48331
PCT International Classification Number G06F19/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 11/539952 2006-10-10 U.S.A.