Cruise Control Steering Threshold Disable
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional adaptive cruise control systems are limited in their ability to operate effectively in low-speed environments, such as parking lots, where they may inadvertently activate, leading to unsafe conditions due to their inability to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate low-speed settings.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize vehicle sensors, including steering wheel and speed sensors, to determine if a vehicle is in an inappropriate low-speed environment, disabling the cruise control system and informing the driver when such conditions are detected, without relying on electronic map data, ensuring safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cruise control system operates at lower vehicle speeds including complete stop, then the speed range of operation is expanded, but the system may inadvertently activate in inappropriate low speed environments such as parking lots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces steering wheel position as an intermediary parameter to mediate between the cruise control system and the vehicle environment. By monitoring whether the steering wheel is within a threshold position (indicating straight-ahead driving), the system can determine if activation in low-speed environments is appropriate, thus preventing inadvertent activation in parking lots while maintaining expanded speed range operation.
2Reliability
If traditional ACC systems limit operation to speeds above 25 mph, then safe operation is maintained, but the speed range of operation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the cruise control system by introducing additional monitoring conditions (steering wheel position threshold) that allow the system to safely operate across a broader speed range. Instead of simply limiting operation to speeds above 25 mph, the system now evaluates both speed and steering wheel position, enabling full speed range operation including complete stops while maintaining safety through the steering threshold criterion.
3Reliability
If the system disables cruise control in low speed environments, then safe operation is ensured, but the operational versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cruise control system's operational status dynamic rather than static. Instead of universally disabling cruise control in all low-speed environments, the system continuously evaluates the steering wheel position and dynamically adjusts its operational state. When the steering wheel is within the threshold position, cruise control remains enabled even at low speeds; when exceeded, it is disabled. This dynamic approach ensures safety while preserving operational versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a cruise control system for a vehicle. The method can identify certain low speed environments, like parking lots, where usage of the cruise control system is usually inappropriate and can disable the system accordingly. According to one embodiment, a full speed range adaptive (FSRA) cruise control system compares a steering wheel position to a steering wheel threshold to determine if the vehicle is operating in an inappropriate low speed environment and, if so, disables the cruise control system accordingly.