Economical Cruise Control Reference Speed Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current look-ahead cruise control systems do not fully account for all parameters that influence a driver's choice of reference speed, leading to unnatural vehicle behavior and reduced driver acceptance, which can result in decreased fuel efficiency due to improper usage or switching off the system.
Innovation Solution
Allowing users to adjust the reference speed based on their input, enabling it to differ from the system's optimum setting, thereby providing a sense of control and increasing driver acceptance, which in turn enhances the system's usage and fuel-saving capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the reference speed is automatically adjusted to optimize fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but driver acceptance and willingness to use the system deteriorates due to unnatural vehicle behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the reference speed based on real-time driving conditions, road gradient, and vehicle state rather than maintaining a fixed speed. This allows the cruise control to adaptively optimize fuel consumption while responding naturally to changing conditions, making the behavior more acceptable to drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including reference speed, acceleration rates, and deceleration profiles based on predicted road conditions. By adjusting these parameters in combination rather than solely focusing on speed, the system achieves fuel optimization while maintaining natural driving characteristics that drivers find acceptable.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the reference speed is allowed to differ from the set speed for fuel savings, then fuel consumption is reduced, but driver sense of control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors driver inputs, vehicle state, and road conditions, then provides feedback by adjusting the reference speed within a reasonable range. The feedback mechanism ensures that speed adjustments are moderate and context-appropriate, maintaining driver sense of control while achieving fuel savings through intelligent reference speed management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future road conditions using topographical map data and GPS information. It proactively adjusts the reference speed in advance of upcoming gradients or curves, allowing smooth transitions that preserve driver control while optimizing fuel consumption before the driver would naturally react.
3Use of energy by moving object
If aggressive speed adjustments are made to maximize fuel savings, then fuel consumption is reduced, but journey time increases due to excessive speed variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial speed adjustments rather than aggressive ones, modifying the reference speed by moderate amounts that achieve fuel savings without causing excessive speed variations. This partial action approach balances fuel optimization with maintaining acceptable journey times by avoiding over-correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic adjustments to the reference speed based on predicted road segments rather than continuous aggressive modulation. By applying speed changes periodically at strategically chosen points (such as before upcoming gradients), the system achieves fuel savings while maintaining more consistent average speeds that preserve journey time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for an economical cruise control and to an economical cruise control which demands from an engine system a reference speed vref which may differ from a chosen set speed vset. According to the invention, adjustment of at least said set speed vset is allowed when said reference speed vref differs from said set speed vset. The adjustment is based at least partly on input from a user of said economical cruise control. A user of the economical cruise control is thus provided with an increased feeling of control over the vehicle's speed.