Congestion-Friendly Adaptive Cruise Control via Mid-Point Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle technologies, including adaptive cruise control (ACC), are ineffective in managing congestive driving conditions, leading to traffic 'shockwaves' and congestion due to poor driver reaction times and inadequate optimization of vehicle distances.
Innovation Solution
A congestion-based adaptive cruise control system that uses a processor and radar sensor arrangement to determine distance values for front and rear vehicles, processing this data to generate control signals for acceleration, deceleration, and braking, positioning the vehicle optimally between the two to mitigate congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional adaptive cruise control is used to maintain safe distance from front vehicle, then individual vehicle safety is improved, but traffic congestion and shockwaves worsen due to poor driver reaction time and inadequate distance optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines front vehicle detection and rear vehicle detection into a single integrated congestion-based ACC system. The radar sensor arrangement simultaneously measures distances to both front and rear vehicles, and the processor integrates this data to calculate optimal velocity that maintains safe distances from both directions, resolving the contradiction by merging individual safety functions into a collective traffic flow optimization system
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring distances to front and rear vehicles via radar sensors, processing this data to determine optimal velocity, and adjusting vehicle velocity through acceleration or braking control. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables dynamic distance optimization that prevents congestion while maintaining safety, addressing both individual vehicle reliability and overall traffic productivity
2Reliability
If sudden braking is applied by front vehicle, then immediate safety response is improved, but cascading braking effect worsens congestion through amplifying shockwaves rearwards
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by having the rear vehicle proactively reduce velocity before the front vehicle brakes. When the processor detects that the front vehicle distance is decreasing or the front vehicle is braking, it commands the rear vehicle to decelerate in advance, preventing the cascading braking effect that creates shockwaves. This anticipatory action maintains safety while eliminating the harmful amplifying effect
Solution Approach 2:
The congestion-based ACC system performs preliminary action by continuously calculating optimal velocity based on real-time radar data from both front and rear vehicles. Before any emergency braking situation occurs, the system has already positioned the vehicle at the optimal distance and velocity, preventing the need for sudden reactive braking that generates shockwaves
3Productivity
If vehicle distance to front vehicle is reduced to improve traffic density, then road capacity is improved, but collision risk worsens due to insufficient reaction time
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by continuously adjusting the vehicle velocity based on real-time radar measurements of front and rear vehicle distances. Rather than maintaining a fixed distance, the processor dynamically calculates optimal velocity that adapts to changing traffic conditions, allowing the vehicle to safely operate at reduced distances when appropriate while maintaining collision avoidance through active velocity control
Solution Approach 2:
The radar sensor arrangement provides continuous feedback on distances to front and rear vehicles, enabling the processor to dynamically adjust velocity commands. This feedback mechanism ensures that even when vehicles are positioned closer together to improve road capacity, the system maintains safe operating distances through active control, preventing collisions while maximizing traffic density
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 solution effectively optimizes vehicle positioning to reduce congestion by dynamically adjusting speed to maintain a stable distance, thereby improving traffic flow and safety in congested conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a radar sensor arrangement, operatively coupled to the processor, the sensor arrangement being configured to determine (i) a distance value for a front vehicle based on a front vehicle velocity, and (ii) a distance value for a rear vehicle based on a rear vehicle velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A congestion-based adaptive cruise control (ACC) system for a vehicle. A processor may provide control signals for the vehicle to modify at least one of acceleration, deceleration and braking in the vehicle. A radar sensor arrangement, operatively coupled to the processor, is configured to determine (i) a distance value for a front vehicle based on a front vehicle velocity, and (ii) a distance value for a rear vehicle based on a rear vehicle velocity. The processor may be configured to process (i) and (ii) from the radar sensor arrangement to determine a velocity value for the vehicle, and generate at least one control signal based on the velocity value to alter the velocity of the vehicle using at least one of acceleration, deceleration and braking to position the vehicle substantially at a mid-point between the front vehicle and rear vehicle.