Cruise Control Reference Speed Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional cruise control systems require repeated and cumbersome adjustments by drivers to match the set speed with the current vehicle speed, leading to potential disengagement from fuel-saving and comfort-enhancing reference-speed-regulating cruise controls, as they do not allow intuitive control over vehicle speed adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A method allowing drivers to make single-input adjustments to set speed based on the current vehicle speed, enabling the set speed to align closely or equal the current speed, thereby enhancing user control and comfort while reducing fuel consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional cruise control maintains constant reference speed equal to set speed, then system simplicity is maintained, but driver acceptance and comfort decrease due to cumbersome adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of speed adjustmentVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates optimal reference speed values based on predicted running resistance before the driver needs to adjust. When the driver releases the accelerator, the system has already determined the appropriate reference speed to maintain comfort and fuel efficiency, eliminating the need for manual adjustments during deceleration events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cruise control system automatically adjusts the reference speed based on predicted running resistance and driver behavior patterns without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using its own sensors and processors to determine optimal speed adjustments, making the system adaptive without adding manual complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If reference speed is allowed to differ from set speed to save fuel, then fuel consumption decreases, but driver control and acceptance may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoiddriver control
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors driver inputs, vehicle speed, and running resistance to dynamically adjust the reference speed. This feedback loop ensures that fuel-saving measures are taken only when appropriate, and the system responds to driver intentions in real-time, maintaining control while optimizing fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the reference speed parameter dynamically based on predicted running resistance and actual driving conditions. By adjusting this key parameter intelligently, the system achieves fuel savings while maintaining driver acceptance through adaptive rather than fixed control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If multiple adjustments are needed to match set speed with current speed, then precision is improved, but time consumption and driver distraction increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed matching precisionVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-determines the appropriate reference speed before the driver completes the adjustment sequence. When the driver releases the accelerator or makes a minor input, the system has already calculated the optimal target speed, allowing the adjustment to complete in a single action rather than requiring multiple sequential adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system skips intermediate adjustment steps by directly setting the reference speed to the optimal value based on predicted running resistance. This allows the speed matching to occur in one decisive adjustment rather than requiring multiple incremental changes, reducing time and driver attention requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP2709869B1Driver interaction pertaining to reference-speed-regulating cruise control
Publication Date: 2021.12.15 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP2709869B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2709869B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2709869B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for a reference-speed-regulating cruise control and to a reference-speed-regulating cruise control which demands from an engine system a reference speed v ref which may differ from a chosen set speed v set . According to the invention,adjustment of at least said set speed v set is allowed if said reference speed v ref differs from said set speed v set , which adjustment is based at least partly on a current speed v pres of said vehicle and on input from a user of said reference-speed-regulating cruise control. Quick and simple user-controlled adjustment of the set speed v set is thus achieved.