Engine Control System Using Distance Sensor for Traffic-Aware Start-Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems for alternatively powered vehicles, such as hybrid electric vehicles, often result in frequent engine starts and stops during heavy traffic, leading to decreased fuel economy and increased emissions, as they rely solely on driver input or vehicle speed for decision-making.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an environment sensor arrangement to detect the distance between the vehicle and an object, combined with an operating sensor arrangement to assess the vehicle's state, and a control module that applies Boolean or Fuzzy logic to regulate engine stop/start requests based on traffic conditions, optimizing engine performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the engine is started or stopped based on driver input or vehicle speed, then the engine can respond to immediate driving conditions, but the engine starts and stops frequently during heavy traffic, decreasing fuel economy and increasing emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of traffic conditions using sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, microwave, or laser) to identify approaching vehicles or obstacles before the current vehicle needs to stop. This advance information allows the control module to preemptively adjust engine operation, preventing unnecessary start-stop cycles by anticipating traffic conditions that would require the engine to remain running anyway.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where sensor data about surrounding traffic conditions is continuously fed to the control module, which adjusts engine operation accordingly. The control module receives signals from environment sensors detecting objects within a predetermined distance, processes this information, and dynamically adjusts engine start/stop decisions based on the detected traffic conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes fuel economy while maintaining operational readiness.
2Device complexity
If the engine is started or stopped based on driver input or vehicle speed, then the control logic is simple, but the system cannot account for upcoming traffic conditions, leading to suboptimal engine management
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a new dimension to engine control by incorporating spatial awareness through environment sensors that detect objects in front of, behind, and beside the vehicle. This transforms the control problem from one-dimensional (current speed and pedal position) to multi-dimensional (including distance to approaching vehicles, relative speeds, and traffic patterns), enabling the control module to make more informed decisions about engine operation based on the expanded state space.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions: it manages engine start/stop operations, processes sensor data from multiple environmental sensors, predicts traffic conditions, and optimizes fuel economy. By integrating these diverse functions into a single control unit, the system achieves adaptability to various traffic scenarios without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle engine is controlled based on a distance between the vehicle and an object other than the vehicle. In at least one embodiment, a system for controlling an engine in a vehicle is provided. The system includes an environment sensor arrangement configured to sense a distance between the vehicle and an object other than the vehicle and an operating sensor arrangement configured to sense an operating state of the vehicle. The system also includes a control module configured to determine whether to start or stop the engine based on the distance and the operating state.