Active Aerodynamic Control Using Predicted Driver Behavior

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle systems with active aerodynamic devices struggle to optimally adjust these devices in real-time to match the driver's behavior and the imminent driving situation, leading to suboptimal performance, increased energy consumption, and reduced driver convenience.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines an imminent driving situation and the expected driver behavior using sensor data and a trained algorithm, allowing for predictive control of active aerodynamic devices to optimize their settings based on the driver's preferences and habits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If active aerodynamic devices are adjusted in real-time based on current driving conditions, then energy consumption is reduced, but the adjustment cannot compensate for device response time delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future driving situations and pre-adjusting aerodynamic devices before the actual situation occurs. The prediction module forecasts upcoming driving conditions, and the control module proactively adjusts device positions in advance, compensating for the inherent adjustment time delay and ensuring optimal aerodynamic configuration when the predicted situation materializes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If aerodynamic devices are adjusted frequently to match varying driving conditions, then driving performance is improved, but driver convenience deteriorates due to unexpected adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving performanceVSAvoiddriver convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring actual driver behavior and comparing it with predicted behavior. When deviations are detected, the system adapts its predictions and adjustments accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that aerodynamic adjustments align with the driver's actual intentions and preferences, maintaining high driving performance while avoiding unexpected adjustments that would reduce convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a rigid aerodynamic device is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different driving situations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to driving situations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms the rigid aerodynamic device into a dynamic one by introducing active adjustment capabilities. The device can now change its configuration (such as spoiler angle or diffuser position) in response to predicted driving situations. This dynamic capability allows the same structural component to adapt to various driving conditions, effectively resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4541698A1Smart control of active aerodynamic devices
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 WUHAN LOTUS CARS CO LTD
  • EP4541698A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4541698A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4541698A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method (200; 400) of operating a vehicle system (110) of a vehicle (100) comprises determining (210; 410), by means of the vehicle system (110), an imminent driving situation of the vehicle (100) based at least partially on sensor data obtained by the vehicle system (110), and determining (220; 420), by means of the vehicle system (110), an expected behavior of a driver (D) of the vehicle (100) with respect to the imminent driving situation based at least partially on the imminent driving situation using a trained algorithm, the trained algorithm trained based at least partially on previous driving situations and previous behaviors of the driver (D). The method (200; 400) further comprises determining (230; 430), by means of the vehicle system (110), a target setting of at least one active aerodynamic device (140) of the vehicle (100) based at least partially on the imminent driving situation and the expected behavior of the driver (D), and controlling (240; 440), by means of the vehicle system (110), the at least one active aerodynamic device (140) in accordance with the determined target setting of the at least one active aerodynamic device (140).