Autonomous Vehicle Power Mode Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in reducing power consumption when not in use, leading to increased energy costs and potential wear on systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a computer-implemented method and system that allows autonomous vehicles to autonomously park and switch to a lower power mode when not in use, using control signals to manage systems such as the engine, HVAC, and lighting, and determining optimal parking locations based on predicted demand for services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the autonomous vehicle operates in service mode with all systems active, then it can provide services to users, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle dynamically transitions between operational mode and parked mode, adjusting system states based on service availability. Control signals modify HVAC, lighting, and powertrain operations to match actual service needs, reducing energy consumption when services are not being provided.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of various vehicle systems (HVAC temperature settings, lighting intensity, powertrain state) based on whether the vehicle is in service or parked mode. These parameter adjustments optimize the balance between service capability and energy consumption.
2Speed
If the autonomous vehicle remains in operational mode while parked, then it can quickly respond to service requests, but system wear increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs preliminary actions by positioning itself at optimal parking locations based on predicted service demand. This allows the vehicle to be pre-positioned near future service areas, maintaining quick response capability without needing to keep all systems fully operational during parking periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous vehicle independently manages its own parking and mode transitions without human intervention. The control system automatically determines when to park, where to park, and how to adjust systems, enabling the vehicle to self-optimize its energy consumption while maintaining service readiness.
3Extent of automation
If the autonomous vehicle uses advanced sensor apparatuses and control systems for autonomous operation, then it can navigate without human intervention, but power consumption increases when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and separates the essential functions needed during autonomous operation from those needed during parking. When parked, non-essential systems are deactivated or put into low-power states, while only critical monitoring and communication functions remain active, significantly reducing power consumption during idle periods.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for decreasing vehicle power consumption are provided. In one example embodiment, a method includes sending one or more first control signals to one or more control systems of an autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle operating in a first mode and configured to provide a service to one or more users of the service. The one or more control signals cause the one or more control systems to autonomously park the vehicle at the location. The method includes sending, after the autonomous vehicle has autonomously parked at the location, one or more second control signals to the one or more control systems of the autonomous vehicle causing the autonomous vehicle to operate in a second mode, wherein the second mode requires less power than the first mode.