Adaptive Vehicle Speed Control via Route Grade Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle speed management systems face efficiency and optimization issues in cruise control mode due to the lack of effective integration of route grade and surface classification data for adaptive speed adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle speed management system that uses a controller to interpret route grade and surface classification data to determine vehicle speed modes and reference commands, adjusting throttle, brake, and transmission settings for optimal speed control through a combination of sensors and electronic control units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional cruise control systems maintain a constant set speed, then the vehicle operates simply with basic control logic, but fuel efficiency deteriorates when encountering varying route grades and surface conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of route surfaces (flat, uphill, downhill) before the vehicle encounters them. The controller pre-determines appropriate speed modes based on the classified surface type, allowing the vehicle to proactively adjust speed before actual energy consumption occurs on graded surfaces, thereby improving fuel efficiency without requiring complex real-time reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the vehicle speed reference based on the classified surface condition. Instead of maintaining a fixed cruise control set speed, the controller modifies the speed reference according to the detected route grade and surface classification, enabling adaptive speed management that optimizes fuel consumption while responding to changing road conditions
2Use of energy by moving object
If the system continuously adjusts speed based on route conditions, then fuel efficiency improves, but the complexity of speed control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments the continuous range of route conditions into discrete surface classifications (flat, uphill, downhill). By dividing the complex problem of continuous speed optimization into distinct categories, the system simplifies the control logic while still achieving adaptive fuel-efficient operation across varying road conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the speed reference parameter based on the classified surface condition. The controller selects from predefined speed adjustment parameters corresponding to different surface types, transforming the complex task of continuous optimization into a manageable parameter selection process that improves fuel efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle maintains higher speeds on flat surfaces and reduces speed on graded surfaces, then fuel efficiency improves, but the vehicle requires more complex surface classification capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from route grade sensors and surface classification data to continuously monitor and adjust the vehicle speed reference. By incorporating feedback loops that compare actual route conditions with classified surface types, the system achieves accurate surface classification and appropriate speed adjustments without requiring overly complex detection mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary surface classification using available route grade data before the vehicle reaches graded sections. This advance classification allows the controller to prepare appropriate speed adjustments, reducing the need for complex real-time surface detection while achieving fuel-efficient operation through proactive speed management
Data Source
AI summary
Controlling a speed of a vehicle based on at least a portion of a route grade and a route distance divided into a plurality of route sections, each including at least one of a section grade and section length. Controlling the speed of the vehicle is further based on determining a cruise control speed mode for the vehicle for each of the plurality of route sections and determining a speed reference command of the vehicle based on at least one of the cruise control speed mode, the section length, the section grade, and a current speed.