Coasting Neutral Control Using Speed Camera Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coasting neutral control technology experiences a time delay when engaging the clutch in a speed camera enforcement section, which affects fuel efficiency and driving dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A coasting neutral control apparatus and method that utilizes a communication terminal to acquire speed camera enforcement section information, determining whether predetermined conditions are met to either perform or interrupt coasting neutral control, and proactively engaging the clutch before interruption, considering factors like speed difference, road gradient, and remaining distance to a speed camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If coasting neutral control is performed by releasing the clutch during coasting, then fuel efficiency is improved by maintaining fuel cut state, but time delay occurs when clutch engagement is required again
Solution Approach 1:
The control device predicts the driver's intent to accelerate before the driver actually operates the accelerator pedal, and proactively engages the clutch in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the time delay associated with clutch engagement when acceleration is needed, while still maintaining coasting neutral control benefits during actual coasting periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors vehicle speed, acceleration requests, and position information to predict driver intent. By using feedback from these parameters, the system determines when to maintain coasting neutral control and when to proactively engage the clutch, optimizing both fuel efficiency and response time.
2Length of moving object
If coasting neutral control is performed to increase available driving distance, then deceleration degree is reduced, but clutch control is required again when acceleration is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically manages clutch engagement and disengagement based on predicted driver intent and actual driver operations. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual clutch control operations by the driver, while maintaining the benefits of increased available driving distance through coasting neutral control.
3Loss of time
If clutch is engaged in advance before coasting neutral control interruption, then time delay is reduced, but fuel cut state may be interrupted prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses continuous feedback from vehicle speed, acceleration requests, and position information to accurately predict driver intent. This feedback mechanism ensures the clutch is engaged only when truly needed, preventing premature interruption of the fuel cut state while still reducing time delay when acceleration is actually requested.
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
This approach reduces time delays, enhances fuel efficiency by maintaining the vehicle in a fuel cut state during deceleration, and optimizes coasting distance by predicting driver intent and adjusting control timing based on speed and location.
Implementation Method 1
When an accelerator pedal or a brake pedal is not used while driving, a vehicle coasts by driving inertia. During coasting of the vehicle, an engine may be rotated using inertia of the vehicle without injecting fuel in a fuel cut state.
Data Source
AI summary
A coasting neutral control apparatus associated with a speed camera may include a communication terminal configured to acquire speed camera enforcement section information, and a controller configured to perform or interrupt coasting neutral control by determining whether a predetermined execution condition for the coasting neutral control is satisfied using the speed camera enforcement section information.