Geofenced Vehicle Motion Control for Stability-Limited Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric golf carts restrict top speed as a safety measure, which can lead to uncomfortable or unsafe conditions during maneuvers like sharp corners or steep descents, and reducing speed universally compromises travel efficiency on stable terrain.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that adjusts motion parameters based on current location and motion characteristics, using geofences to dynamically update speed limits, acceleration, and deceleration rates to enhance stability during reduced stability events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor controller restricts the golf cart to an overall top speed (e.g., 18 mph) as a safety measure, then safety is improved, but the golf cart creates uncomfortable sensations and may become unsafe during sharp cornering, steep descents, or lateral driving on embankments
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the top speed limit based on real-time vehicle motion characteristics and geofence location. When the vehicle enters a stability control geofence and exhibits reduced stability events (sharp cornering, steep pitch, extensive steering rotation), the controller automatically lowers the speed limit from the initial 18 mph to an updated lower value. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing high speed for comfort during normal operation while automatically reducing speed for safety during unstable maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the speed parameter based on detected motion characteristics and location. The controller monitors vehicle pitch, angular velocity, and steering wheel rotation, and when reduced stability events are detected within stability control geofences, it updates the motion control parameters including the speed limit. This parameter change allows the vehicle to maintain comfort during stable operation while ensuring safety during unstable conditions.
2Reliability
If the motor controller programs an overall lower top golf cart speed (e.g., 12 mph) to improve safety during unstable maneuvers, then safety during sharp cornering and steep descents is improved, but it takes longer to traverse distances even on flat sturdier terrain where higher speed is safe
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different speed limits to different geographic locations using stability control geofences. Outside these geofences (on flat sturdier terrain), the vehicle maintains the higher initial top speed of 18 mph for efficient travel. When the vehicle enters a stability control geofence and reduced stability events are detected, the speed limit is locally reduced to an updated lower value. This spatial differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing high speed for productivity on safe terrain while ensuring safety within unstable areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed limit is dynamically adjusted based on real-time conditions rather than being statically set. The controller continuously monitors vehicle motion characteristics and geofence status, automatically transitioning between higher speeds (for productivity on stable terrain) and lower speeds (for safety within unstable geofences during reduced stability events). This dynamic approach eliminates the need for a universally lower speed limit.
3Device complexity
If the vehicle uses a single set of motion control parameters for all conditions, then the control system is simple, but the vehicle cannot adapt to different stability requirements in different locations or during different maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between different motion control parameter sets based on vehicle location within stability control geofences and detected reduced stability events. The controller monitors geolocation signals and motion characteristics, and automatically updates motion control parameters including speed limit, acceleration rate, and deceleration rate when instability is detected. This dynamic parameter adjustment provides adaptability while maintaining relative system simplicity through automated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, steering angle sensors) and geolocation signals to automatically adjust motion control parameters. When the feedback indicates reduced stability events within stability control geofences, the controller updates the parameter set to more restrictive values. This feedback mechanism enables adaptability to different conditions while keeping the control system structure relatively simple through rule-based automatic adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is directed to controlling vehicle motion. The technique involves setting a set of motion control parameters which controls motion of the utility vehicle to a set of initial values. The technique further involves receiving stability control inputs which include a geolocation signal identifying a current location of the utility vehicle and a set of motion signals identifying a set of current motion characteristics of the utility vehicle. The technique further involves changing, based on the geolocation signal and the set of motion signals, at least one motion control parameter of the set of motion control parameters which controls motion of the utility vehicle from an initial value to an updated value which is different from the initial value.