Adaptive Distance Control During Vehicle Lane Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle distance control systems lack the ability to smoothly adjust target distances during lane changes, leading to abrupt acceleration or braking, which compromises driving comfort and natural driving behavior.

Innovation Solution

An electronic distance control system that adjusts target distances through a series of intermediate distances (third target distances) based on lane changes and convoy probabilities, using vehicle history memories and sensor data to determine optimal distance transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the target distance is abruptly changed during lane change, then the distance control system can quickly adapt to the new lane, but driving comfort deteriorates due to abrupt acceleration or braking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speed of distance control systemVSAvoiddriving comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the target distance adjustment into multiple intermediate steps (first target distance, second target distance, third target distance) instead of making a single abrupt change. This segmentation allows the distance control system to adapt to the new lane while maintaining smooth acceleration/deceleration profiles, thereby preserving driving comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the target distance based on the lane change state. The system transitions from a first target distance in the initial lane to a second target distance in the new lane through intermediate third target distances, creating a dynamic and adaptive response that balances quick adaptation with driving comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the target distance is adjusted based on lane position, then the distance control becomes more adaptive to different driving conditions, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to lane changesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent stores multiple pre-defined target distances (first target distance for initial lane, second target distance for new lane, and intermediate third target distances) in advance. During lane change, the system simply selects and transitions between these pre-prepared values, which enhances adaptability while avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the target distance parameter in discrete steps based on lane change detection. The system switches from using the first target distance to the second target distance through intermediate third target distances, which provides adaptive behavior for different lane positions without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4624293A1Method for longitudinally guiding a vehicle with respect to a leading vehicle by means of an electronic distance keeping system and electronic distance keeping system
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4624293A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4624293A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4624293A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for the longitudinal guidance of a vehicle (1) in relation to a vehicle (2, 11) traveling ahead by means of an electronic distance control system (3): - longitudinal guidance of the vehicle (1) behind the vehicle (2) traveling ahead directly in front of the vehicle (1) depending on a provided first target distance (6) on a first lane (7) of a roadway (8) with at least two adjacent lanes (7, 9) for traveling in one direction of travel; - determining a second target distance (11) after a lane change of the vehicle (1) from the first lane (7) to a different second lane (9) of the roadway (8) depending on a lateral position of the second lane (9) relative to the first lane (7);and - guiding the vehicle (1) longitudinally to the vehicle in front (2) which is also changing lanes or to another vehicle in front (11) in the second lane (9) travelling directly in front of the vehicle (1) with the distance keeping system (3) depending on the determined second target distance (10);