Platoon Vehicle Distance Sensing for Interloper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for detecting non-platoon vehicles within a platoon rely on GPS signals and remote management, which can be unreliable, especially in outdoor public road conditions, and do not allow for fast and independent detection of interloper vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A local vehicle sensing and control processing system that determines the physical distance between platoon vehicles and compares it with received values from adjacent vehicles to identify non-platoon vehicles, enabling independent detection and decision-making without relying on GPS or remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS signals and remote management are used for detecting non-platoon vehicles, then the system can provide safety and efficiency benefits, but the detection reliability deteriorates in outdoor public road conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces GPS-based remote detection systems with a local mechanical sensing system using distance sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, or laser) mounted on each vehicle. This substitution eliminates reliance on satellite signals and remote communication infrastructure, providing reliable detection of non-platoon vehicles through direct physical measurement of distances between vehicles in the platoon formation.
2Speed
If GPS and remote control systems are used, then platoon management can be achieved, but fast and independent detection of interloper vehicles is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
Each vehicle in the platoon is equipped with its own distance sensors and control processing system, enabling independent detection of non-platoon vehicles without relying on remote management. The local system autonomously measures distances to adjacent vehicles, compares measurements with expected platoon spacing, and identifies interlopers independently, providing fast detection response.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented and distributed across individual vehicles rather than centralized. Each vehicle performs local distance measurements and independently processes data to detect non-platoon vehicles, eliminating the need for centralized GPS coordination and enabling faster, decentralized response to detected interlopers.
3Use of energy by moving object
If tight spacing between platoon vehicles is maintained for energy efficiency, then fuel savings are realized, but stopping distance and safety requirements become more difficult to meet
Solution Approach 1:
The platoon spacing is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system maintains tight spacing for aerodynamic efficiency but uses active distance sensing and real-time communication to dynamically adjust gaps when safety margins require it. The local detection system enables rapid identification of non-platoon vehicles, allowing the platoon to maintain efficient tight spacing while having the capability to quickly expand gaps when safety becomes compromised.
Data Source
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AI summary
A platoon management control system and method for local detection and determination of a non-platooning vehicle inserted or otherwise disposed between and/or adjacent to one or more platooning vehicle(s). A platooning vehicle determines a forward physical distance between itself and a vehicle physically ahead, and compares the determined physical distance with a value of a rearward distance to the platooning vehicle received from a next ahead platooning vehicle. The vehicle physically ahead is determined to be the next ahead platooning vehicle in accordance with a correspondence between the determined physical distance and the received value of the rearward distance. Conversely, the vehicle physically ahead is determined to be a non-platooning vehicle in accordance with a mis-correspondence between the determined physical distance and the received value of the rearward distance.