Adaptive Acceleration Control for Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speed control systems for motor vehicles often lead to fuel inefficiency due to non-intuitive acceleration behaviors that irritate other drivers and may be overridden, disrupting the system's effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically determines a maximal acceleration distance based on road conditions and vehicle characteristics, ensuring the acceleration behavior feels normal to the driver and other road users, thereby maintaining fuel efficiency while being perceived as acceptable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the acceleration behavior is optimized solely for fuel efficiency, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the driving behavior becomes irritating to other road users and may be overridden by the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the acceleration behavior based on multiple factors including driver preferences, traffic conditions, and road characteristics. The system modifies acceleration parameters (rate, duration, timing) to balance fuel efficiency with natural driving patterns that drivers expect, preventing irritation and override while maintaining energy savings
2Loss of energy
If the acceleration distance is extended to optimize fuel efficiency, then fuel consumption decreases, but the acceleration feels unnatural to drivers and may be perceived as non-intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the acceleration distance and rate adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts acceleration parameters based on real-time conditions including driver behavior patterns, traffic situation, and road characteristics, allowing the acceleration to feel natural and intuitive while maintaining fuel efficiency optimizations
3Loss of energy
If the automated speed control system overrides driver input frequently to maintain fuel efficiency, then energy savings increase, but driver trust and acceptance decrease leading to system disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring driver behavior, traffic conditions, and system performance. The system uses this feedback to adjust its intervention strategy, maintaining fuel efficiency while respecting driver intentions and expectations, thereby building trust and ensuring continuous operation without driver disconnection
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved method and control unit for determining a fuel efficient acceleration behavior of a motor vehicle for a predetermined road section is disclosed. The determination of the acceleration behaviour is based on a determined initial speed of the motor vehicle in a first position in the road section, and a determined target speed of the motor vehicle in a determined second position in the road section, wherein the second position is separated from said first position by an acceleration distance. According to the present invention, the first position is determined such that the acceleration distance is shorter than or equal to a maximal acceleration distance S acc , wherein the maximal acceleration distance S ac c is dynamically determined based on at least one first road condition for the road section and on at least one characteristic of the motor vehicle. According to the invention, an intuitively acceptable acceleration behaviour is achieved, which at the same time is very fuel efficient.