Vehicle Overtaking Speed Display for Safer Passing Decisions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current driver-assessed overtaking methods often result in unsafe, inefficient, and fuel-economically negative experiences due to misjudgment of overtaking situations, inefficient planning, and adverse impacts on fuel economy.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing controlling circuitry in vehicles to determine and communicate real-time speed and predicted positions of other vehicles, enabling safe and smooth overtaking by maintaining pre-overtaking speed and minimizing overtaking maneuvers, even without adaptive cruise control or cruise control systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If driver assessed overtaking attempts are used, then the driver can execute overtaking maneuvers, but the driver may misjudge the overtaking situation rendering the overtaking not safe nor smooth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of overtakingVSAvoidassessment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical human visual assessment system with an electronic computing system that uses sensors (cameras, LIDAR, radar) and algorithms to automatically detect, track, and assess overtaking situations. This substitution eliminates human misjudgment by using precise electronic measurement and calculation of relative positions, speeds, and safe overtaking conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If driver assessed overtaking attempts are used, then the driver can initiate overtaking, but planning of overtaking is not efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveovertaking efficiencyVSAvoidplanning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment and planning of overtaking maneuvers by continuously monitoring traffic conditions, calculating safe overtaking windows, and preparing optimal execution timing before the driver initiates the maneuver. This advance planning reduces decision time and improves overtaking efficiency by having pre-computed safe execution parameters ready when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If driver assessed overtaking attempts are used, then the driver can perform overtaking maneuvers, but fuel economy is negatively impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveovertaking capabilityVSAvoidfuel economy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts overtaking strategies based on real-time traffic conditions, vehicle speeds, and environmental factors to minimize fuel consumption. It calculates optimal overtaking timing and duration, selects fuel-efficient overtaking methods (e.g., using acceleration lanes vs. opposing lanes), and adjusts vehicle control parameters during overtaking to reduce energy expenditure while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3822947B1Overtaking of vehicles travelling on the same road

Publication Date: 2023.11.22 NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RES & DEV CO LTD

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AI summary

A method for enabling a safe and smooth overtaking when a first and second vehicle travel on the same road is disclosed. The method comprises determining (103) a speed of the second vehicle, and communicating (104), by a display in the first vehicle, the determined speed of the second vehicle. Corresponding computer program product, apparatus, and vehicle are also disclosed.