Add-On Mobility Force Feedback for Cooperative Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-driving add-on mobility systems lack efficient energy management and cooperative control with main body vehicles, leading to suboptimal fuel and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method of controlling add-on mobility by measuring the front-rear directional force between a main body vehicle and the add-on mobility using a force sensor, and adjusting the driving and braking forces of the add-on mobility based on this force, including regenerative and mechanical braking, to maintain an appropriate connection state and improve energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If self-driving add-on mobility is equipped with its own power source and braking device, then it can operate independently, but energy management efficiency deteriorates due to lack of coordinated control with main body vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control systems of the main body vehicle and add-on mobility by establishing communication between their controllers. The controllers exchange information about driving states, battery charge levels, and force conditions, enabling coordinated energy management decisions that optimize overall system efficiency while maintaining the add-on mobility's independent operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the force sensor continuously monitors the connection state between main body vehicle and add-on mobility. This force information is fed back to the controllers, which adjust driving and braking forces dynamically. The feedback loop enables real-time optimization of energy consumption based on actual operational conditions and battery states.
2Reliability
If force sensor is installed to measure front-rear directional force, then cooperative control between main body vehicle and add-on mobility is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor installed in the connection mechanism serves multiple functions: it measures front-rear directional force for cooperative control, monitors connection state integrity, and provides data for both driving and braking force optimization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized sensors, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high cooperative control accuracy.
3Loss of energy
If regenerative braking and mechanical braking are both utilized, then energy recovery is improved, but control complexity increases due to multiple braking force combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic braking force distribution where the controller continuously adjusts the ratio of regenerative braking to mechanical braking based on real-time conditions including battery charge state, driving force requirements, and force sensor measurements. This dynamic adjustment optimizes energy recovery at each moment while maintaining simple control logic through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes operational parameters by adjusting braking force magnitudes and distributions based on measured force conditions and battery state. When regenerative braking alone is sufficient, mechanical braking is minimized or eliminated. When additional braking force is needed, mechanical braking is activated in combination with regenerative braking, optimizing energy recovery while meeting braking requirements.
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 energy efficiency and fuel efficiency of the combination vehicle by optimizing the driving and braking forces according to the measured force, allowing for improved energy management and extended distance to empty (DTE).
Implementation Method 1
measuring, by a controller, a force in a front-rear direction acting between a main body vehicle and the add-on mobility by a force sensor connecting the main body vehicle and the add-on mobility
Implementation Method 2
a motor mounted on the add-on mobility
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical braking force of a braking device
Implementation Method 4
the regenerative braking force of the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling an add-on mobility includes measuring a force in a front-rear direction between a main body vehicle and the add-on mobility by a force sensor connecting the main body vehicle and the add-on mobility and controlling a driving force and a braking force of the add-on mobility according to a magnitude of the force in the front-rear direction measured by the force sensor.