Platoon Maneuver Control Using Dynamic Vehicle Reference Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current platoon control systems are not scalable and inefficient, as the farther a vehicle is from the front truck, the more expensive and time-consuming maneuvers become, leading to increased fuel consumption and longer maneuver durations, especially in high-density platooning scenarios where precise communication quality is critical.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling platoon maneuvers by determining a variable reference point within the platoon based on maneuver criteria such as fuel consumption, time, and predicted quality of service, allowing for optimized maneuver duration and fuel efficiency by considering different reference points for acceleration and deceleration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If each vehicle uses the front truck as reference point for maneuvers, then the control system is simple to implement, but the maneuver time and fuel consumption increase significantly for vehicles farther from the front

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidmaneuver duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different vehicles in the platoon to use different reference points based on their position and maneuver requirements. Instead of a uniform reference point system, vehicles can dynamically select optimal reference points, creating localized control strategies that reduce overall maneuver time and energy consumption across the platoon.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If vehicles farther from the front use the front truck as reference, then coordination is simplified, but fuel consumption increases exponentially with distance from the front

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination simplicityVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the reference point selection dynamic rather than static. Vehicles can change their reference point based on real-time conditions, platoon configuration, and maneuver type. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize fuel consumption while maintaining coordination simplicity through automated reference point selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a fixed reference point is used for all maneuvers, then the control logic is straightforward, but the system lacks adaptability to different maneuver scenarios and platoon configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol logic complexityVSAvoidmaneuver optimization flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal reference point selections for various maneuver scenarios and platoon configurations. Before executing a maneuver, the system queries these pre-computed optimal reference points, avoiding complex real-time calculations while maintaining high adaptability. This approach balances control logic simplicity with maneuver optimization flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3731204B1Method, computer program, apparatus, vehicle, and network component for controlling a maneuver within a platoon
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3731204B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3731204B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3731204B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

Embodiments provide a method, a computer program, an apparatus, a vehicle, and a network component for controlling a maneuver within a platoon of a plurality of vehicles an apparatus. The method (10) for controlling a maneuver within a platoon of a plurality of vehicles comprises receiving (12) information related to a maneuver for the platoon, determining (14) a reference point for the maneuver within the platoon based on one or more maneuver criteria, and providing (16) information related to the reference point within the platoon.