ACC Gap Positioning for Energy-Saving Inter-Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adaptive cruise control (ACC) systems in vehicles do not effectively utilize traffic situations to further reduce fuel or electric power consumption, and there is a need for dementia prevention training that integrates with vehicle operation to enhance driver spatial awareness.
Innovation Solution
A travel control apparatus and vehicle that utilize traffic data and participant data to adjust inter-vehicle distance and position for energy-saving travel, and include a driving training apparatus to evaluate and improve driver performance in energy-saving maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle maintains a constant inter-vehicle distance using conventional ACC, then the driving load is reduced and fuel consumption is decreased, but the system does not effectively utilize traffic situations to further reduce energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The ACC system dynamically adjusts the inter-vehicle distance based on real-time traffic situations. When multiple vehicles are detected traveling in parallel, the system automatically reduces the inter-vehicle distance to utilize the low fluid energy region, and when such conditions are not present, it maintains the driver-set distance. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system both energy-efficient and situationally adaptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the inter-vehicle distance parameter based on detected traffic patterns. Specifically, it switches between maintaining a constant driver-set distance and reducing to a shorter distance when vehicles traveling in parallel are detected. This parameter change enables the system to exploit energy-saving opportunities in specific traffic situations while maintaining comfort in others.
2Ease of operation
If the ACC system automatically operates the accelerator pedal and brake, then the driving load is reduced, but the driver's spatial awareness and dementia prevention training opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dual functionality: it performs automated cruise control to reduce driving load while simultaneously serving as a dementia prevention training tool. By detecting specific traffic situations (vehicles traveling in parallel) and automatically executing energy-saving maneuvers, the system creates training opportunities where the driver can observe and learn optimal positioning strategies without continuous manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the driver about traffic situations and automated actions taken. When vehicles traveling in parallel are detected, the system notifies the driver and automatically adjusts positioning to utilize the low fluid energy region. This feedback mechanism allows the driver to learn from real-time situations while the system handles the complex detection and control tasks.
3Ease of operation
If the vehicle maintains a larger inter-vehicle distance for driver comfort and safety, then the driver experience is improved, but energy consumption increases due to not utilizing low fluid energy regions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the inter-vehicle distance based on detected traffic patterns. When multiple vehicles are detected traveling in parallel, it automatically reduces the distance to position the vehicle in the low fluid energy region for energy savings. When such conditions are not present, it maintains the driver-set distance to ensure comfort and safety. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between comfort and energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A travel control apparatus configured to be applied to a vehicle includes a processor. When: an adaptive cruise control is enabled; and first and second front vehicles are detected to be traveling in parallel ahead of the vehicle, the processor makes an inquiry of a vehicle's driver about whether to prioritize energy-saving traveling. When acquiring a response that the energy-saving traveling is not to be prioritized, the processor performs an automated travel control of the vehicle to a position facing a gap between the first and second front vehicles and achieves a set inter-vehicle distance. When acquiring a response that the energy-saving traveling is to be prioritized, the travel processor performs an automated travel control of the vehicle to the position facing the gap between the first and second front vehicles and achieves a shortest inter-vehicle distance in an allowable setting range.