Off-Road Vehicle Parameter Control Using Terrain and Clearance Data

Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles operating in off-road areas face challenges due to the lack of predefined rules, leading to potential damage or becoming stuck, as existing systems lack the ability to determine appropriate vehicle parameters for such environments.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle computer system that determines terrain and vehicle characteristics, using sensors and user input, to calculate optimal vehicle parameters like speed and transmission gear, and generates a planned path to navigate off-road areas safely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a vehicle operates in off-road areas without predefined rules, then the vehicle can access diverse terrains and environments, but the vehicle may become stuck or damaged due to lack of guidance on appropriate operating parameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoff-road operation capabilityVSAvoidvehicle safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of terrain characteristics using sensor data before the vehicle enters the off-road area. The vehicle computer determines terrain type, grade, and obstacles in advance, then pre-calculates appropriate vehicle parameters (speed, transmission gear, ground clearance requirements) to guide safe operation through the challenging terrain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors sensor data during off-road operation and dynamically adjusts vehicle parameters based on real-time terrain conditions. The vehicle computer compares actual terrain characteristics with predetermined thresholds and modifies operating parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing off-road conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If the vehicle uses predetermined thresholds for terrain characteristics, then the vehicle can make automated decisions about operation parameters, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated parameter determinationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses predetermined thresholds for key terrain parameters (terrain type, grade, obstacle presence) to automatically determine appropriate vehicle operating parameters (speed, transmission gear, ground clearance). By establishing clear parameter thresholds and corresponding vehicle settings, the system achieves automated decision-making through relatively simple threshold-comparison logic rather than complex algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle determines terrain characteristics using sensor data, then the vehicle can adapt to unknown off-road conditions, but the accuracy of terrain assessment may be insufficient without predefined rules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptation capabilityVSAvoidterrain characteristic accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of terrain characteristics using sensor data before the vehicle enters the off-road area. The vehicle computer determines terrain type, grade, and obstacles in advance, then pre-calculates appropriate vehicle parameters (speed, transmission gear, ground clearance requirements) to guide safe operation through the challenging terrain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses predetermined thresholds for key terrain parameters (terrain type, grade, obstacle presence) to automatically determine appropriate vehicle operating parameters (speed, transmission gear, ground clearance). By establishing clear parameter thresholds and corresponding vehicle settings, the system achieves automated decision-making through relatively simple threshold-comparison logic rather than complex algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11845431B2Enhanced vehicle operation

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

Terrain characteristics of an off-road area are determined based on a map. The terrain characteristics include a terrain type, a terrain grade, and a presence or an absence of an obstacle. Vehicle characteristics are determined including a ground clearance and a breakover angle. Based on a user level, vehicle parameters for the off-road area are determined based on the terrain characteristics, the vehicle characteristics, and the user input. The vehicle parameters include a speed and a transmission gear. The vehicle parameters for the off-road area are output.