Vehicle Driveline Control Using Condition-Based Speed And Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle control systems lack the ability to autonomously manage driveline operations based on various conditions, such as weather, vehicle status, and environmental factors, which can impact safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control system that monitors conditions like weather, vehicle status, and environmental factors to autonomously control driveline operations, including speed limiting and component isolation, and adjusts lighting and sirens based on location and situation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vehicle operates at full speed without autonomous control, then productivity is improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to inability to respond to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors vehicle speed, location, weather conditions, and other parameters, then automatically adjusts driveline operation based on this feedback. Sensors detect conditions such as ice detection, adverse weather, and geographic location, and the controller responds by modifying speed limits or shutting down the driveline to prevent unsafe operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously manages its own operation without requiring constant operator intervention. The control system automatically detects conditions through onboard sensors and independently makes decisions about driveline control, speed limiting, and safety protocols, enabling the vehicle to serve itself in adapting to changing environmental conditions
2Reliability
If the control system autonomously manages driveline operations based on multiple conditions, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated controller that manages driveline operation, speed limiting, component isolation, and coordination with light/siren systems. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into one unified control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the monitoring of multiple conditions (weather, location, vehicle status) and the control of multiple systems (driveline, lights, sirens) into a single integrated control system. This merging reduces the complexity that would arise from having separate independent systems for each function
3Reliability
If the vehicle limits speed or shuts down driveline in response to conditions, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts driveline operation based on real-time conditions rather than enforcing static speed limits. The system can selectively limit speed on certain roadways, allow full speed in safe conditions, and temporarily shut down only when necessary, creating a dynamic response that balances safety with operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies speed limiting and safety protocols selectively based on local conditions rather than uniformly across all operations. Speed limits are imposed only on specific roadways or under specific conditions (ice detection, adverse weather, geographic location), allowing full productivity in safe environments while ensuring safety where needed
4Adaptability or versatility
If the control system monitors multiple conditions and adjusts light/siren operations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses geographic location data to identify upcoming intersections and high-risk areas in advance, then proactively adjusts light and siren operations before the vehicle reaches these locations. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare appropriate warnings and notifications ahead of time rather than reacting after conditions are already present
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a chassis, a driveline coupled to the chassis, and a control system. The control system is configured to monitor a condition of at least one of the vehicle, an area around the vehicle, or an operator of the vehicle; and control operation of the driveline based on the condition. Controlling the operation of the driveline includes at least one of limiting a speed at which the driveline drives the vehicle or shutting down the driveline and isolating a component of the driveline.