Dynamic Cruise Control Parameter Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cruise control systems in vehicles do not adequately minimize fuel consumption, despite optimization efforts, as they do not dynamically adjust parameters and gear shifting patterns in response to unexpected occurrences affecting vehicle speed during a trip.

Innovation Solution

A method that registers a starting point and end destination, calculates and sets limits for cruise control parameters to achieve the desired travel time with minimal fuel consumption, and recalculates these limits and selects a gear shifting pattern to optimize fuel efficiency in real-time, considering unexpected events and route options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If cruise control parameters are fixed without dynamic adjustment, then the control system is simple and reliable, but fuel consumption cannot be minimized under changing road conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cruise control system dynamically adjusts parameters such as acceleration limits, deceleration limits, and speed deviations based on real-time road conditions and unexpected occurrences. The control unit continuously recalculates optimal parameters during the journey, transforming a static control system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions to minimize fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit receives information about road conditions, vehicle speed, and unexpected occurrences. Based on this feedback, the control unit recalculates and adjusts cruise control parameters in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes fuel consumption while maintaining arrival time constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If the cruise control adjusts parameters dynamically to minimize fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency improves, but the control complexity and calculation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidautomatic parameter adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The cruise control system performs self-service by automatically detecting road conditions, calculating optimal parameters, and adjusting control settings without driver intervention. The control unit independently monitors unexpected occurrences, recalculates parameters, and implements adjustments, enabling the system to serve itself in optimizing fuel consumption throughout the journey.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculations of optimal cruise control parameters based on registered starting point, end destination, and desired traveling time. By pre-calculating parameter limits and gear shifting patterns before and during the journey, the system prepares optimal control strategies in advance, reducing real-time computational burden while maintaining fuel efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If gear shifting patterns are optimized for lowest fuel consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the transmission control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidtransmission control
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cruise control unit merges functions by integrating transmission control capabilities within itself. Instead of having separate transmission control and cruise control systems, the invention combines them so that the same control unit that manages vehicle speed also optimizes gear shifting patterns, reducing overall system complexity while achieving fuel consumption optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes fuel consumption by dynamically changing transmission parameters, specifically gear shifting patterns. The control unit selects and adjusts gear shifting parameters based on road conditions and vehicle state, transforming fixed transmission control into a flexible parameter-based system that adapts to minimize energy consumption during the journey.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the system recalculates parameters in response to unexpected occurrences, then adaptability to changing conditions improves, but the response time and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse to unexpected occurrencesVSAvoidrecalculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cruise control system implements periodic recalculation of parameters at predetermined intervals during the journey, in addition to responding to unexpected occurrences. This periodic action ensures that the system remains adaptive without requiring continuous real-time recalculation, balancing adaptability with acceptable response time and computational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2379391B1Method and device for controlling a vehicle cruise control
Publication Date: 2019.02.13 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP2379391B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2379391B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method and device are provided for controlling a vehicle cruise control in a vehicle, the method including registering a starting point and an end destination for a possible traveling route of the vehicle, registering a desired traveling time for the traveling route, calculating and setting limits for parameters of the cruise control in order to arrive at the end destination on the desired traveling time with as low fuel consumption as possible.