Location-Based Vehicle Powertrain Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional powertrain systems do not effectively apply municipality location-based policies according to vehicle powertrain operating parameters, leading to inadequate mitigation of environmentally and socially conscientious consequences such as highway congestion and pollution in urban areas.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that includes a powertrain system with sensors and a control module capable of selecting operating modes based on location and current operating conditions, using GPS to communicate with a municipality module to adjust powertrain parameters and reduce emissions, such as by switching between engine-only, charge-depleting, blended, charge-sustaining, and mixed modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual solutions like HOV lanes are implemented to reduce congestion and pollution, then traffic flow control is improved, but the system does not adapt to vehicle powertrain operating parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The powertrain control system dynamically adjusts operating modes based on real-time location data from GPS and air quality measurements from sensors. The system transitions between different operating modes (e.g., electric-only, hybrid, combustion) according to geographic location and environmental conditions, making the system adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where GPS location data and sensor measurements of air quality are continuously fed back to the powertrain control module. This feedback enables the system to automatically adjust powertrain operation in response to changing environmental conditions and location-based policies
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional powertrain systems operate without location-based regulation, then system simplicity is maintained, but emissions contributing to low air quality are not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The powertrain control system autonomously determines the appropriate operating mode by processing location data and air quality sensor readings itself. The system self-regulates emissions without requiring external manual intervention, automatically selecting electric-only mode in sensitive areas and adjusting operation based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the powertrain based on location and environmental conditions. It adjusts fuel injection rates, ignition timing, and mode selection (electric vs. combustion) according to geographic location and air quality measurements, thereby dynamically controlling emissions output
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the powertrain system dynamically adjusts operating modes based on location and air quality, then emissions are reduced, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powertrain control module serves multiple functions: it manages normal powertrain operation, processes GPS location data, integrates sensor readings, determines compliance with location-based policies, and selects appropriate operating modes. This multi-functionality consolidates control logic into a single module, managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (the powertrain control module with integrated GPS and sensor processing) that mediates between raw environmental data and powertrain actuation. This intermediary consolidates the complexity of integrating multiple data sources and decision logic into a single control interface
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system to control operation of a vehicle includes a powertrain system operable according to a plurality of operating modes that drive the vehicle. A sensor is mounted to the vehicle to detect a quality of air surrounding the vehicle. A vehicle control module is configured to select an operating mode of the powertrain system. The operating mode is selected to reduce at least one emission exhausted from the vehicle that contributes to a low air quality measure by the sensor.