Electric Vehicle Range Prediction Using Spatial Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current range prediction methods for electric vehicles are delayed and inaccurate due to reliance on temperature sensors, leading to incorrect adjustments when environmental conditions change, especially in varying outdoor temperatures.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that uses environmental sensors to detect spatial changes, such as distance and optical sensors, to adapt range predictions in real-time, independent of temperature measurements, thereby reducing delays and improving accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature sensors are used to determine outside temperature for range prediction, then the system can provide range information, but the adjustment is delayed due to the slow response of temperature sensors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange prediction accuracyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (protected environment detection system) that indirectly senses environmental conditions through proxies such as interior temperature stability, HVAC usage patterns, and thermal mass effects. This intermediary approach allows the system to detect environmental changes without relying on slow-responding outside temperature sensors, thereby reducing response time while maintaining range prediction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If temperature sensors are protected from direct environmental exposure, then the sensor is protected, but the measurement response becomes slower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor protectionVSAvoidmeasurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring interior temperature changes, HVAC system responses, and thermal patterns to infer outside environmental conditions. This feedback loop allows the system to detect environmental changes indirectly through the vehicle's thermal response, maintaining sensor protection while achieving faster detection of environmental changes compared to direct outside temperature sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If range prediction is adjusted based on outside temperature, then the prediction adapts to environmental conditions, but incorrect adjustments occur due to temperature gradients in different environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptationVSAvoidadjustment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by detecting and distinguishing between different local environmental contexts (garage, tunnel, open road, parking lot) using multiple sensors including proximity sensors, GPS, and thermal patterns. Each environment type receives customized range prediction adjustments based on its specific characteristics, preventing incorrect universal temperature-based adjustments and improving both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3184965B1Method for adapting a range prediction of a motor vehicle on the basis of environmental conditions and motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 AUDI AG
  • EP3184965B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for adjusting a range prediction of a motor vehicle (1) based on environmental conditions, wherein an outside temperature is detected, and wherein at least one environmental sensor (5,9) is used to detect a spatial environment of the motor vehicle (1), and wherein a range prediction for the motor vehicle (1) is adjusted based on the detected outside temperature and the detected spatial environment.