Vehicle Engine Shutdown Preparation for Fuel-Saving Road Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for reducing fuel consumption in vehicles, such as coasting and dragging, do not always achieve optimal results as they either consume more fuel than necessary or incur engine braking, which is not fuel-efficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that identify suitable road sections ahead for engine shutdown by preparing necessary vehicle systems, including air pressure, hydraulic pressure, battery charging, and temperature control, to ensure reliable engine shutdown, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the engine is shut down during a road section to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but vehicle systems may not be ready for shutdown causing operational issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidsystem readiness for shutdown
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by identifying suitable road sections ahead and preparing necessary systems (air pressure, hydraulic pressure, battery charging, temperature control) before engine shutdown is executed. This ensures all systems are ready for shutdown while maximizing fuel savings during the road section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If preparatory measures are taken for engine shutdown, then reliability of shutdown is improved, but additional fuel is consumed during preparation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutdown reliabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption during preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts preparatory measures based on the identified road section characteristics and current vehicle state. It determines the minimum necessary preparations required for reliable shutdown while minimizing additional fuel consumption during the preparation phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If engine shutdown is implemented without proper preparation, then fuel consumption is reduced, but vehicle operation safety and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidsafety and comfort during shutdown
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system ensures safety and comfort by performing preliminary preparations including maintaining adequate air pressure in braking systems, ensuring sufficient hydraulic pressure, charging batteries, and controlling temperatures in engine and cabin before shutdown. This eliminates harmful effects while achieving fuel savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3166831B1Control of preparatory measures in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP3166831B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3166831B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3166831B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention presents a method and a system for the control of preparatory measures during a road section, for at least one system. First, one or several parts of a road section are identified, during which parts one or several engines comprised in the vehicle may be shut down. Such identification is carried out when the road section is ahead of the vehicle, that is to say before the vehicle has entered the road section. The identification is based on available information about the road section. Subsequently it is determined whether at least one preparatory measure for at least one respective system in the vehicle needs to be carried out, in order to facilitate that one or several of the engines may be shut down. Subsequently, the preparatory measures are controlled based on the determination of the need to carry out the at least one preparatory measure.