Adaptive Path Following for Heavy-Duty Vehicle Off-Tracking Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing path following algorithms for heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and semitrailers, fail to effectively adjust the preview distance parameter based on lateral deviation and vehicle speed, leading to inadequate control effort and poor off-tracking performance, especially when close to the target path.

Innovation Solution

The method adjusts the preview distance based on multiple criteria, including lateral deviation and longitudinal velocity, using tuning parameters to maintain consistent control effort and improve path following performance, particularly through vector field guidance methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional path following algorithms are used, then implementation is simple, but they do not account for vehicle dynamics and cannot track paths accurately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath tracking accuracyVSAvoidalgorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The algorithm transitions from static path following to dynamic path following by continuously adapting to changing vehicle states and road conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts path following commands based on real-time vehicle dynamics data, allowing accurate tracking while maintaining computational efficiency through incremental updates rather than complete recalculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring vehicle dynamics parameters (lateral acceleration, yaw rate, steering angle) and using this information to adjust path following commands. The feedback loop compares actual vehicle behavior with desired path behavior and corrects deviations, improving accuracy without requiring overly complex algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If path following commands are generated without considering vehicle dynamics, then computational load is low, but tracking accuracy deteriorates in dynamic conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath tracking accuracyVSAvoidcomputational energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations by pre-computing ideal path following commands based on geometric path parameters. These pre-computed commands serve as a foundation that is then adjusted with minimal additional computations based on real-time vehicle dynamics, reducing the computational energy required for real-time control while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The algorithm changes parameters incrementally by adjusting path following commands based on variations in vehicle dynamics parameters. Rather than recalculating entire trajectories, the system makes parameter adjustments proportional to changes in vehicle state, reducing computational energy while improving tracking accuracy under dynamic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed path following commands are used, then control is simple, but the vehicle cannot adapt to changing road conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to road conditionsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system transitions from fixed to dynamic path following by continuously adapting commands based on real-time vehicle dynamics and road conditions. The system maintains simplicity through structured algorithms that process dynamic data in a systematic manner, achieving adaptability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The algorithm achieves multi-functionality by using a unified control framework that handles multiple functions: path following, vehicle dynamics compensation, and road condition adaptation. This universal approach avoids the need for separate specialized controllers for each function, maintaining control system simplicity while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4347355B1An adaptive path following algorithm for heavy-duty vehicles
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4347355B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4347355B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4347355B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method for controlling a heavy-duty vehicle (100) to follow a reference path (P), the method comprising obtaining (S1) the reference path (P) to be followed by the vehicle (100), determining (S2) a goal point (G) along the path (P) to be used as a steering reference from a vehicle location (x) in vicinity of the path (P), where the goal point (G) is distanced along the path (P) by a preview distance (Dp) measured from a reference location (x, Go) associated with the vehicle location (x), where the preview distance (Dp) is determined at least partly based on a lateral deviation (y) of the vehicle location (x) from the reference path (P), such that the preview distance (Dp) increases with an increasing lateral deviation (y) from the reference path (P), and decreases with a decreasing lateral deviation (y), and controlling (S3) the vehicle (100) on the basis of the goal point (G).