Adaptive Starting Assistant for Motor Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle starting assistance systems do not effectively combine road safety with driving dynamics, particularly when starting on inclines or in varying traffic conditions, leading to inconsistent and potentially unsafe or uncomfortable starting experiences.
Innovation Solution
A starting assistant that selects between two strategies based on road gradient and target starting dynamics, using either drive system-driven starting or downhill slope force, with a recognition device to adapt starting behavior to different driving environments and a sensor to detect roadway gradient, allowing for safe and dynamic starts without drive torque when appropriate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If drive system-driven starting is used, then driving dynamics are improved, but road safety perception deteriorates on inclines
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two starting strategies (drive system-driven and slope force-driven) based on real-time detection of road gradient and target starting dynamics. This dynamic adaptation allows the vehicle to optimize between safety and performance depending on environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction by making the starting behavior flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameters by selecting different starting strategies based on detected road gradient and desired dynamics. When road safety is prioritized (e.g., on inclines), the system switches to slope force-driven starting; when driving dynamics are prioritized (e.g., in city traffic), it uses drive system-driven starting. This parameter change approach allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
2Speed
If drive torque is applied during starting, then driving dynamics are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of gravity on inclines (which opposes vehicle movement) into a beneficial force by using slope force-driven starting. Instead of always applying drive torque to overcome gravity, the system allows gravity to assist starting on suitable slopes, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining or improving starting performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies drive torque only when necessary (in city traffic or when high starting dynamics are required) rather than continuously. By using slope force-driven starting in appropriate conditions, the system reduces unnecessary energy expenditure while still achieving the required starting performance, applying the principle of partial action.
3Device complexity
If starting behavior is standardized, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different driving environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The starting assistant system performs multiple functions by detecting both road gradient and target starting dynamics, then selecting from multiple starting strategies. This multi-functionality allows a single system to adapt to various driving environments (inclines, city traffic, highways) without requiring separate specialized systems, thereby maintaining relatively low complexity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its starting behavior based on detected environmental conditions and desired dynamics profiles. Rather than using a fixed standardized starting procedure, the system adjusts its strategy in real-time, enabling it to handle diverse driving scenarios effectively while maintaining a unified control architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances road safety and driving dynamics by enabling gentle, comfortable starts on inclines and quick accelerations in city traffic, improving traffic flow and reducing driver stress through adaptive starting strategies.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor device (12) is designed to detect at least one measured variable that is dependent on the gradient of the roadway at the location of the vehicle, in particular the downhill slope force component of the weight of the host vehicle acting on the host vehicle in the direction of travel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a starting assistant for motor vehicles, comprising a starting controller (24; 26) for initiating and controlling a starting operation, characterised by a decision device (22) designed to select a starting strategy, depending on a roadway gradient and target starting dynamics, from at least one first starting strategy for starting that is driven by a drive system (42) and a second starting strategy for starting substantially by means of grade resistance.