Modular Cruise Control Regulator Core Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cruise control devices are typically developed for specific purposes and require separate hardware resources and development for different cruise control functions, limiting their adaptability and efficiency across various driving conditions, including road and off-road use.
Innovation Solution
A modular cruise control device with a regulator core module that calculates a setpoint longitudinal force and transmits it to add-on regulator modules, which trigger actuators suitable for different cruise control functions, allowing for adaptable and efficient speed regulation across various driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cruise control devices are developed for specific purposes with separate hardware resources, then the device can be optimized for specific cruise control functions, but the device complexity increases and hardware resources are duplicated
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator core module is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple cruise control functions (road traffic cruise control, downhill cruise control, off-road cruise control) through software configuration rather than requiring separate hardware for each function. This multi-functional design allows the same hardware to be optimized for different purposes through the regulator's ability to trigger different actuators based on the selected cruise control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cruise control device is segmented into a regulator core module that handles common functions and multiple add-on regulator modules that provide specific cruise control functions. This modular architecture allows the system to be configured for specific purposes by activating only the necessary add-on modules, thereby avoiding duplication of hardware resources while maintaining optimized performance for each function.
2Reliability
If separate hardware resources are allocated for different cruise control functions, then each function can be independently optimized, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to increased development requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator core module serves as a universal platform that can be configured for different cruise control functions through software rather than requiring separate hardware development for each function. This reduces development requirements while maintaining the ability to independently optimize each cruise control function through the regulator's configurable actuator triggering capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular regulator structure with core module and add-on modules is implemented, then the adaptability to various purposes improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator is segmented into a core module that handles common cruise control functions and add-on regulator modules that provide specialized functions. This segmentation improves adaptability by allowing the system to be configured for different purposes by activating only the necessary modules, while the modular structure actually reduces complexity compared to a monolithic design by allowing independent development and testing of each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator structure is designed to be dynamically configurable, where the regulator core module can trigger different actuators based on the selected cruise control function. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware structure to serve multiple purposes without requiring physical reconfiguration, thereby improving versatility without permanently increasing device complexity.
4Reliability
If traditional cruise control devices use dedicated hardware for each function, then the reliability of each function is ensured, but the loss of time for development and deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cruise control device is segmented into a regulator core module and add-on regulator modules, allowing development to proceed in parallel for different modules. This modular approach reduces development time while ensuring reliability, as each module can be independently tested and validated before integration, rather than requiring complete re-development for each cruise control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator core module is designed in advance as a universal platform with pre-configured capabilities to trigger different actuators. This preliminary action of creating a flexible core module reduces development time for new cruise control functions, as the foundation is already in place and only the specific add-on modules need to be developed and integrated.
Data Source
AI summary
A cruise control device for a vehicle includes a regulator to regulate an actual speed with respect to a predefined setpoint speed, using a modular configuration including a regulator core module and at least one add-on regulator module. The core module ascertains a setpoint longitudinal force to be induced on the vehicle, based on a predefined setpoint speed and an ascertained actual speed, and to transmit the setpoint longitudinal force to the at least one add-on module. An add-on regulator module triggers actuators, e.g., drive and/or braking systems, based on the setpoint longitudinal force, e.g., for inducing the setpoint longitudinal force. Functions necessary for implementing various cruise control functions can be available centrally in the core module, whereas functions, used only in certain cruise control functions, may be in add-on regulator modules. Such modularity may reduce development effort and the need for hardware resources. Cruise control functions for off-road use may be implemented and added to traditional cruise control functions.