Hill Descent Control Using Gradient-Aware PID Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Hill Descent Control (HDC) systems for motor vehicles struggle with precise speed control on variable gradients, leading to control oscillations, sudden brake influences, and uneven vehicle speed, especially when transitioning between sections with different gradients.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine actual and target speed signals, calculate a differential signal influenced by an inclination signal, and convert this into braking signals to manage the vehicle's speed effectively, utilizing PID control and wheel-specific brake signals to distribute braking forces optimally, incorporating anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability program (ESP) functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional HDC systems determine brake pressure only from speed difference or gradient, then the control system is simple, but control oscillations and sudden brake influences occur on variable gradients

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol stabilityVSAvoidcontrol algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of the gradient signal before calculating brake pressure. By obtaining the gradient information in advance and using it to influence the actuating signal calculation, the system proactively compensates for gradient changes before they cause control oscillations or instability, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by continuously determining the actual speed signal and comparing it with the target speed to generate a differential signal. This feedback loop, enhanced by the gradient signal influence, allows the system to adjust brake pressure dynamically based on actual performance, reducing control oscillations and improving stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If service brake is applied for long descents, then vehicle speed can be controlled, but fuel consumption increases and engine wear increases due to part-load operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownhill speed controlVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The gradient signal acts as an intermediary that influences the actuating signal calculation. By incorporating gradient information into the control algorithm, the system can optimize brake application timing and intensity, enabling effective speed control while allowing the engine to operate more efficiently rather than in continuous part-load condition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameters by incorporating the gradient signal into the actuating signal determination. This parameter modification allows the control system to adapt brake pressure based on actual gradient conditions, achieving effective speed control with reduced unnecessary brake application and improved fuel efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If service brake is used to reduce descent speed, then speed control is achieved, but control oscillations and uneven vehicle speed occur on variable gradients

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedescent speed reductionVSAvoidvehicle speed uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The gradient signal is determined in advance and used to influence the actuating signal before brake application. This preliminary action allows the system to anticipate gradient changes and adjust brake pressure accordingly, preventing control oscillations and maintaining uniform vehicle speed on variable gradients

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors actual speed and compares it with target speed to generate a differential signal. This feedback mechanism, combined with gradient signal influence, enables real-time adjustment of brake pressure to maintain smooth and uniform speed control, eliminating oscillations caused by variable gradients

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2129558B1Method and device for speed regulation when travelling on an incline
Publication Date: 2015.09.30 ZF ACTIVE SAFETY GMBH
  • EP2129558B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2129558B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2129558B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described are a method and a device for regulating the speed of a motor vehicle in particular when travelling on an incline. In a PID regulator which acts on the brake system of the motor vehicle, the change in the vehicle inclination is fed into the I-branch of the regulator, thereby providing adaptive speed regulation.