Autonomous Vehicle Powertrain Mode Switching for Energy Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated driving systems in vehicles face inefficiencies in energy consumption when transitioning between occupied and unoccupied states, as existing systems prioritize occupant comfort over energy efficiency during autonomous operation.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle is equipped with a powertrain that can switch between two operating modes based on the presence of an occupant, with distinct energy consumption rates, and an automated driving system algorithm that controls steering, acceleration, braking, and shifting, allowing for reduced energy consumption when unoccupied by adjusting engine operation, clutch pressure, transmission shift schedules, and accessory power draw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the powertrain operates in a mode optimized for occupant comfort with higher energy consumption, then ride quality and driving performance are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two powertrain operating modes based on real-time detection of occupant presence. When an occupant is detected, the system transitions to the comfort-optimized mode with higher energy consumption. When no occupant is present, it switches to the energy-efficient mode. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for comfort when needed and for energy efficiency when unnecessary, eliminating waste during unoccupied autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller modifies powertrain operating parameters (engine speed, torque, transmission gear selection, clutch engagement) based on occupant presence status. By changing these operational parameters according to whether the vehicle is occupied or unoccupied, the system achieves both comfort optimization during occupancy and energy efficiency during unoccupied periods, directly resolving the energy consumption contradiction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the powertrain operates in a mode optimized for energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but driving performance and occupant comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic mode switching that activates the energy-efficient powertrain operation only during unoccupied autonomous driving periods. When an occupant is detected, the system immediately transitions to the comfort-optimized mode, ensuring that performance degradation does not affect occupants. This temporal separation of optimization goals resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller adjusts powertrain parameters (engine operating point, transmission shift points, clutch pressure) to optimize for energy efficiency during unoccupied operation. These parameter changes are conditional upon occupant presence detection, ensuring that efficiency optimizations are applied only when they will not compromise occupant comfort or safety, thereby resolving the performance trade-off.
3Reliability
If accessory systems operate at full power consumption, then system readiness and functionality are maintained, but energy consumption increases during unoccupied operation
Solution Approach 1:
During unoccupied autonomous operation, the system applies partial action to accessory systems by reducing their power consumption to minimum necessary levels while maintaining essential functionality. Critical systems remain operational at reduced power, non-critical systems are scaled back or deactivated. This partial operation maintains sufficient system readiness for safety and basic functions while eliminating excessive energy consumption during unoccupied periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically manages accessory system power consumption based on occupant presence detection and autonomous operation status, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts accessory power draw, switching between full-power and reduced-power modes, thereby maintaining reliability when needed while optimizing energy efficiency during unoccupied operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive vehicle includes traction wheels, a powertrain configured to transmit drive power to the traction wheels, a sensor configured to detect a presence of an occupant, an actuator configured to control vehicle steering, acceleration, braking, or shifting, and at least one controller configured to automatically control the actuator based on an automated driving system algorithm. The powertrain is selectively operable in a first mode having a first operating characteristic and a second mode having a second operating characteristic. The controller is further configured to control the powertrain in the first mode in response to the sensor detecting an occupant being present and the actuator being controlled based on the automated driving system algorithm, and in the second mode in response to the sensor detecting no occupant being present and the actuator being controlled based on the automated driving system algorithm.