Coasting Timer Predictive Acceleration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle drivers' intermittent foot movements during cruising lead to unpredictable accelerations, affecting fuel economy and response times, as existing systems fail to accurately predict and prepare for these changes.
Innovation Solution
A coasting timer system using an accelerator pedal sensor and electronic control unit (ECU) to determine coasting intervals and predict acceleration types, activating vehicle subsystems preemptively to improve fuel economy and response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the driver maintains a steady foot position during cruising, then fuel economy is improved, but the driver cannot hold their foot perfectly still causing unpredictable accelerations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the start of a coasting interval and predicting the likely end time before the driver actually accelerates. The ECU prepares the vehicle subsystems in advance based on the predicted coasting duration, so when the driver does accelerate, the system is already ready to respond optimally. This resolves the contradiction by proactively managing the unpredictable driver behavior rather than reactively responding to it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring accelerator pedal position and comparing it against learned coasting patterns. The ECU observes actual driver behavior and uses this feedback to refine predictions of when coasting intervals will end and accelerations will occur. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to individual driver habits while maintaining fuel efficiency during coasting periods.
2Device complexity
If the system waits for actual acceleration before responding, then system complexity is reduced, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU performs preliminary calculations to predict when the coasting interval will end and acceleration is likely to occur. By determining a predicted end time based on the detected coasting start time and learned coasting durations, the system prepares subsystems in advance rather than waiting for actual acceleration. This preliminary action reduces response time without requiring complex real-time prediction algorithms, as it uses simple timing-based predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by preparing subsystems to a ready state before actual acceleration occurs, rather than fully activating them immediately. The ECU determines a predicted acceleration type and prepares the appropriate subsystems partially in advance, then completes the activation when acceleration actually occurs. This approach reduces response time while avoiding the complexity of continuously monitoring and preparing for all possible acceleration scenarios.
3Loss of time
If the system prepares subsystems in advance based on predicted acceleration, then response time is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary preparation of subsystems based on predicted acceleration timing rather than immediate full activation. The ECU determines a predicted end time of the coasting interval and prepares subsystems to a ready state in advance, then completes activation when acceleration occurs. This approach reduces response time while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding premature full activation of power-intensive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by preparing subsystems to a intermediate ready state before actual acceleration, rather than fully activating them during the acceleration event itself. The ECU determines a predicted acceleration type and prepares the appropriate subsystems partially in advance based on the predicted timing, then completes the activation when needed. This balances response time improvement with energy conservation by spreading the energy demand over time rather than concentrating it during acceleration.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are various embodiments for a coasting timer for predictive acceleration. In an embodiment, a system for predictive acceleration of a vehicle is described. The system may comprise an accelerator pedal; a sensor coupled to the accelerator pedal, the sensor configured to measure depression of the accelerator pedal; and an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU may be configured to: determine a current coasting map; determine a coasting interval duration based, at least in part, on the current coasting map; determine the coasting interval duration has started based, at least in part, upon a measurement received from the sensor; and activate one or more subsystems of the vehicle prior to the end of the coasting interval duration, the one or more subsystems determined based, at least in part, on a predicted acceleration type.