Electric Road System Vehicle Positioning via Current Collector Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles traveling on electric road systems face challenges in maintaining accurate positioning relative to the charging surface, requiring drivers to constantly correct their course, which can be tiresome and prone to errors due to limited transverse displacement of tracking means and potential loss of lane markers.
Innovation Solution
A method using a current collector with displacement capabilities and sensors to determine precise positioning data, allowing for improved lane keeping and autonomous driving by calculating distances between the vehicle and the current conductor, enabling accurate vehicle control and driver assistance systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle uses tracking means with limited transverse displacement range, then the current collector can maintain contact with the current conductor, but the driver must constantly correct the course which is tiresome and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the current collector's own position data relative to the current conductor to automatically control vehicle steering, making the system self-regulating without requiring continuous driver intervention for lane keeping
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the position of the current collector relative to the current conductor and uses this feedback to automatically adjust steering, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliable contact while eliminating manual course correction
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle uses autonomous lane keeping means, then the driver can relax, but the system may occasionally lose track of the lane due to missing lane markers
Solution Approach 1:
The current conductor serves as a reliable intermediary reference for lane positioning, replacing fragile lane markers. The system uses the position of the current collector relative to the current conductor as the basis for autonomous steering control
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts positioning information directly from the ERS infrastructure (current conductor position) rather than relying on separate lane marking systems, creating a more reliable reference that is always present when power is supplied
3Extent of automation
If the vehicle relies on lane markers for positioning, then autonomous steering can be implemented, but the system fails when lane markers are missing or unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The current conductor serves dual functions: both power transmission and positioning reference. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lane markers while providing a universally available reference throughout the ERS infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the current conductor as an intermediary reference object that bridges the gap between power delivery infrastructure and navigation requirements, allowing autonomous steering to function reliably wherever the ERS is active
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle and a method for controlling a vehicle including a current collector transmitting electric power from a current conductor located in a predetermined position in the surface of a road a distance from one side of the road; a first detecting means generating a signal indicative of the position of the current collector relative to a current conductor reference point; where the current collector is displaceable to track the current conductor in response to the signal; and a second detecting means detecting the position of the current collector are provided. The method involves determining a first distance representing the position of the current collector relative to the current conductor reference point; determining a second distance representing the position of the current collector relative to a vehicle reference point; and determining a distance between the vehicle reference point and the current conductor reference point using the first and second distances to determine a current vehicle position on the road.