Multi-Lane Vehicle Platoon Formations Using GPS and Braking Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current highway vehicle platoon management systems are limited to linear or single-file formations, which do not effectively utilize multiple lanes and restrict the size of platoons, limiting the potential for increased efficiency and safety benefits.
Innovation Solution
A platoon management control system that uses GPS positions and braking performance data to rearrange vehicles into non-columnar formations, such as V-shaped configurations, allowing for multi-lane operations and larger platoon sizes by dynamically adjusting vehicle spacing and positioning based on geographical and performance parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicles maintain linear or single-file formation, then safety and efficiency benefits are provided, but the size of platoons is restricted and multiple lanes are not effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear platooning to two-dimensional formation patterns (V-shaped, wide, and boustrophedon configurations) that utilize lateral spacing across multiple lanes. This dimensional expansion allows more vehicles to participate in platoons while maintaining safety through increased lateral separation distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the platoon into multiple segments or groups that can be arranged in different spatial configurations. Vehicles are organized into lead groups and follower groups with specific lateral offsets, creating segmented formations that can be dynamically adjusted based on road conditions and platoon size requirements.
2Loss of energy
If vehicles maintain tight distance or spacing between platooned vehicles, then energy consumption is reduced, but safety considerations and operational characteristics must be carefully managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spacing strategies to different vehicles within the platoon based on their positions and roles. Lead vehicles maintain larger gaps ahead of them, while follower vehicles maintain tighter spacing behind them. This local differentiation optimizes aerodynamic benefits while ensuring safety margins are maintained where most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the spacing parameter between vehicles based on multiple factors including vehicle type, road gradient, weather conditions, and platoon configuration. By making the spacing parameter variable rather than fixed, the system can optimize energy consumption in favorable conditions while maintaining safety margins when conditions require larger gaps.
3Loss of energy
If commercial box trucks and tractors towing box trailers take leader positions, then maximum aerodynamic benefit and fuel savings are realized, but flatbed tractor trailer rigs must take follower positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic repositioning capabilities that allow vehicles to change their positions within the platoon formation based on changing conditions. Rather than fixed assignments, vehicles can transition between lead and follower roles, and the formation can shift between different configurations (V-shaped, wide, boustrophedon) to adapt to varying traffic, road, and weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric formation patterns where vehicles of different types are positioned at different lateral offsets from the centerline. Box trucks and trailers with better aerodynamic profiles are positioned in lead groups closer to the center, while flatbed rigs are positioned in follower groups at lateral offsets, creating an asymmetric arrangement that optimizes overall platoon aerodynamics while accommodating diverse vehicle types.
4Ease of operation
If even distance is maintained between vehicles in the platoon, then control protocols using GPS data sharing and deceleration command signal exchanges are simplified, but the ability to utilize multiple lanes and form larger platoons is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the control protocol from one-dimensional longitudinal spacing to two-dimensional spatial arrangement that includes both longitudinal gaps and lateral offsets. The control system manages both dimensions simultaneously, allowing vehicles to maintain simplified even spacing along their respective paths while the overall formation utilizes multiple lanes through lateral positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
Platoon management control systems and methods rearrange three of more vehicles cooperatively travelling seriatim as a platoon along an associated roadway into a platoon arrangement other than the linear or single file formation. Multi roadway lane platoon management control systems and methods control the three or more vehicles cooperatively travelling as a multi-lane platoon along an associated multi-lane roadway into a platoon arrangement other than the linear or single file formation. Larger platoon sizes are provided thereby enabling more vehicles to participate in the larger multi-lane platoon. A platoon management control uses a combination of the GPS position of the lead vehicle representative of the position of the vehicle relative to the associated geographical area, and braking performance data representative of the braking capabilities of following vehicles to rearrange the vehicles into the non-columnar formation.