Onboard Controller System for Vehicle Speed and Idle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for remotely controlling a vehicle's speed or engine speed are inadequate, as they either require physical barriers that reduce vehicle control or electromagnetic interference that only works with electronic-dependent vehicles, and lack efficient control over maximum speed and idle time.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates and selectively sends spoofed engine control signals to limit vehicle speed and idle time, using a throttle position generator calibrated to match the vehicle's signals, allowing operator control below a set threshold while enforcing speed reduction above it, and incorporating driver authentication and unattended idle protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a spike belt is placed in the vehicle's path to stop the vehicle, then the vehicle speed is controlled, but the vehicle control is reduced and it only works with vehicles having tires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spike belt system with an electronic control system that intercepts and modifies engine control signals. Instead of using physical barriers to stop the vehicle, the system uses electronic signal manipulation (spoofing throttle position signals) to control engine power output, thereby controlling vehicle speed without mechanical interference with the vehicle's physical operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an onboard controller as an intermediary device that sits between the driver's input and the engine control system. This intermediary controller monitors actual vehicle speed and compares it with desired speed limits, then selectively replaces genuine engine control signals with spoofed signals to enforce speed limits without directly interfering with the driver's control of the vehicle.
2Extent of automation
If an electromagnetic pulse is sent to the vehicle to interfere with electronic circuits, then remote control is achieved, but it requires close proximity and only works with electronically-dependent vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an onboard controller as an intermediary that is integrated into the vehicle's existing electronic control architecture. This intermediary device communicates with the engine control module through standard automotive communication protocols, allowing the system to work with any vehicle that has electronic control systems without requiring external electromagnetic interference or close proximity operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control system that can be applied to various types of vehicles (cars, trucks, construction equipment, military vehicles) that have electronic control systems. The onboard controller interfaces with standard engine control protocols and can enforce speed limits across different vehicle types without requiring vehicle-specific customization or external electromagnetic pulses.
3Duration of action of moving object
If manual idle speed setting and timers are used to limit time-at-idle, then idle control is achieved, but it requires manual setup and lacks automated enforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors actual vehicle speed and idle status through sensors, compares this data with predetermined speed thresholds and maximum idle time limits, and automatically adjusts engine control signals accordingly. The system provides real-time feedback to the onboard controller, enabling automated enforcement of idle time limits without manual intervention or timer setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The onboard controller performs self-service by automatically monitoring vehicle operation, detecting idle conditions, tracking idle duration, and enforcing maximum idle time limits through automated signal interception and modification. The system eliminates the need for manual timer setup or operator intervention, as it autonomously manages idle control based on pre-programmed parameters and real-time vehicle status.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for safely slowing or controlling a vehicle's speed or engine speed by selectively replacing a genuine engine control signal with a spoofed engine control signal to slow or control the vehicle. The operator is allowed control of the vehicle (e.g. genuine engine control signal) if the speed is below a threshold speed and the operator is denied control of the vehicle (e.g. spoofed engine control signal) if the speed is above the threshold speed; similarly, a maximum idle engine speed and time to idle before shut-down is enforced by selectively replacing a genuine engine control signal with a spoofed engine control signal, responsive to a set threshold for each. The threshold is set over the air (OTA).