Off-highway EV Mode Control via Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current powertrains in passenger vehicles do not assist users in determining the most fuel-efficient mode to operate in EV or ZEV modes, nor do they adapt to off-highway applications, which require consideration of unique environmental factors and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
An off-road vehicle control system that uses navigation units and sensors to automatically switch the vehicle into EV mode based on location, ambient light, airflow, emission levels, and proximity to objects or structures, learning from user inputs to adapt operation and reduce emissions in hazardous environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual mode selection is used, then user control is maintained, but fuel efficiency is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the powertrain to automatically select optimal operating modes (EV, ZEV, HYBRID) based on real-time sensor data and environmental conditions without requiring manual user input. The control system self-adjusts mode selection to optimize fuel efficiency while maintaining user-defined preferences through learned behaviors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If passenger vehicle powertrains are used, then basic EV mode switching is available, but adaptation to off-highway environments is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single unified platform that handles both passenger vehicle and off-highway applications. It processes diverse sensor inputs (light, airflow, emissions, proximity) and adapts powertrain operation across different environments using the same core architecture, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts powertrain mode selection based on real-time environmental conditions detected by sensors. It continuously monitors ambient light, airflow, emission levels, and object proximity to adapt operating modes appropriately for different off-highway scenarios such as enclosed spaces, hazardous areas, and varying weather conditions.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If EV mode is used in enclosed spaces, then emissions are reduced, but safety hazards may arise from undetected conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions including ambient light, airflow, emissions, and object proximity. This feedback loop enables the control system to detect hazardous conditions in real-time and adjust powertrain operation accordingly, ensuring safety while maintaining emission reduction benefits in enclosed or hazardous spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, devices and apparatuses for an off-road vehicle control system. The control system for the vehicle includes at least one of a navigation unit or a sensor. The navigation unit is configured to obtain a current location of the vehicle. The sensor is configured to obtain sensor data of a surrounding environment of the vehicle. The control system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is coupled to the at least one of the navigation unit or the sensor. The electronic control unit is configured to set the vehicle into an electrical vehicle (EV) mode based on the current location of the vehicle or the sensor data.