Cruise Control System Adaptive Eco Mode Torque Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cruise control systems in hybrid electric vehicles lack the ability to adapt to various driving situations and operation modes, particularly failing to optimize fuel efficiency during speed variations and transitions between cruise modes.
Innovation Solution
A cruise control system and method that includes input units for drivers to select and input cruise mode and operation mode, with a controller that determines the on/off states and performs cruise control based on the selected operation mode, prioritizing fuel consumption reduction in eco mode by adjusting torque commands for engine and motor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional cruise control systems are used, then basic speed maintenance is achieved, but fuel efficiency cannot be optimized across various driving situations and operation modes
Solution Approach 1:
The cruise control system dynamically adapts its control strategy based on the selected operation mode (eco mode, comfort mode, sport mode). In eco mode, the system optimizes for fuel efficiency by prioritizing engine braking and delayed acceleration, while in sport mode, it prioritizes responsive acceleration. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to be versatile across different driving situations while optimizing energy use in the appropriate mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes control parameters such as acceleration rates, deceleration rates, and target speed adjustments based on the operation mode. In eco mode, acceleration rates are limited and engine braking is prioritized to improve fuel efficiency. In comfort mode, smoother acceleration and deceleration profiles are used. This parameter changes approach allows the system to optimize fuel efficiency specifically when in eco mode without compromising adaptability to other driving preferences.
2Speed
If aggressive acceleration control is used to follow target speed, then speed responsiveness is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic assessment of speed error and applies acceleration only when necessary to maintain the target speed. Rather than continuous aggressive acceleration, the system monitors speed deviations and applies controlled acceleration pulses only when the vehicle falls behind the target speed by a significant margin. This periodic action maintains speed responsiveness while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the natural deceleration of the vehicle (which would normally cause speed drops) into an opportunity for fuel-efficient recovery. When the vehicle slows down, the system allows the speed to drop within acceptable thresholds before applying acceleration, thereby utilizing the vehicle's momentum and reducing the need for energy-intensive acceleration. This approach maintains adequate speed-following performance while significantly reducing fuel consumption compared to continuous aggressive acceleration.
Data Source
AI summary
A cruise control system capable of: determining, by a controller, whether the vehicle is in a cruise mode-on state; determining, by the controller, an operation mode of the vehicle selected by a driver; and when it is determined that the vehicle is in the cruise mode-on state, performing, by the controller, cruise control of the vehicle for the operation mode selected by the driver, and a method therefor. Herein, the operation mode includes an eco mode which performs driving control prioritizing fuel consumption reduction.