Off-Road Engine Start-Stop Control Using Terrain Sensor Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Engine start-stop systems cause shocks and delays during off-road driving, such as rock crawling and fording, which can be detrimental to fuel economy and vehicle performance.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes lidar, forward-facing cameras, accelerometers, and sonar sensors to detect obstacles, ground clearance, and vehicle inclination, disabling the engine start-stop system when certain thresholds are exceeded to prevent unwanted engine shutdowns and maintain power during challenging off-road conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If engine start-stop systems are used to improve fuel economy, then fuel consumption is reduced, but engine shocks and delays occur during off-road driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the start-stop system operation based on detected driving conditions. When off-road conditions are detected through sensors (accelerometers, sonar, cameras), the system automatically disables the start-stop function, allowing it to operate dynamically rather than statically to balance fuel economy and off-road performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback from accelerometers, sonar sensors, cameras, and other vehicle systems to continuously monitor driving conditions. This feedback loop enables the system to detect when the vehicle is operating in off-road mode and accordingly adjust the start-stop system operation to prevent engine shocks and delays
2Use of energy by moving object
If engine start-stop systems are activated during off-road driving, then fuel economy improves, but vehicle responsiveness and power availability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of off-road conditions using sensors before the engine needs to respond. By detecting off-road mode in advance through accelerometer data, sonar readings, and camera input, the system proactively disables the start-stop function to ensure immediate engine responsiveness when needed during technical off-road driving
3Reliability
If the start-stop system is disabled during off-road driving, then engine shocks and delays are prevented, but fuel economy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different operational characteristics to the start-stop system based on the local driving context. During off-road driving, the start-stop function is disabled locally for that specific operating condition, while remaining enabled during normal on-road driving, thus optimizing performance for each specific driving scenario
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances off-road performance by preventing engine start-stop system activation during conditions that could lead to shocks or delays, thereby improving fuel economy and reducing the risk of getting stuck, while maintaining engine power when needed.
Implementation Method 1
measuring accelerations of a vehicle in three dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining whether to use engine start-stop systems during trail or other off-road driving are provided. Systems and methods may utilize various vehicle sensors (e.g., lidar, forward-facing cameras, accelerometers, sonar sensors, etc.) to detect when it is appropriate to command engine stop for fuel economy while driving off-road. To determine appropriateness, the vehicle may evaluate obstacles, ground clearance, and/or vehicle inclination. A method may include measuring accelerations/inclinations of a vehicle, comparing an acceleration value of each acceleration to an acceleration threshold, and disabling a start-stop system of the vehicle based on at least one acceleration value exceeding the acceleration threshold. A system may include an accelerometer configured to measure accelerations of a vehicle, and a logic device configured to compare an acceleration value of each acceleration to an acceleration threshold, and disable a start-stop system based on at least one acceleration value exceeding the acceleration threshold.