Automated Vehicle Platoon Sequencing for Braking Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mixed traffic conditions, autonomous vehicles in a platoon face challenges due to varying braking performance, tire characteristics, and payloads, making it difficult for follower vehicles to avoid collisions with the lead vehicle during rapid braking.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automated vehicle platoon control that determines a platoon sequence by assigning the vehicle with lesser braking performance as the lead and continuously monitors performance to adjust the sequence dynamically, ensuring safe following distances and braking maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If vehicles are assigned to platoon positions based on fixed initial performance, then the system complexity is reduced, but safety deteriorates when vehicle performance changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic performance monitoring and reassignment mechanisms that continuously track vehicle braking performance and automatically reassign platoon positions when performance degradation is detected. This transforms the static vehicle assignment into a dynamic system that adapts to changing vehicle conditions, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and safety reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops that monitor vehicle performance metrics (particularly braking performance) and use this information to trigger reassignment decisions. The feedback mechanism ensures that safety-critical parameters are continuously evaluated and used to maintain safe platoon operations, addressing the reliability concern while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated decision-making.
2Productivity
If follower vehicles maintain close proximity to lead vehicles for efficient platooning, then productivity is improved, but the risk of collision increases when lead vehicles apply rapid brakes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary performance assessments and establishes performance margins before platooning operations begin. By pre-evaluating vehicle braking capabilities and assigning positions with appropriate safety buffers, the system prepares for potential rapid braking scenarios before they occur, allowing closer following distances while maintaining collision avoidance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts critical parameters including following distances, speed limits, and acceleration rates based on real-time vehicle performance data. When a follower vehicle's braking performance is determined to be insufficient relative to its lead vehicle, the system modifies operational parameters to maintain safe separation, thereby enabling productive platooning while mitigating collision risks through adaptive parameter control.
3Reliability
If vehicles with superior braking performance are assigned as lead vehicles, then follower vehicle safety is improved, but the system loses flexibility in handling vehicles with varying performance characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic performance-based assignment where vehicle roles (lead or follower) are not fixed but can change based on real-time performance monitoring. This allows the system to always assign the currently superior braking vehicle as lead while maintaining flexibility to accommodate vehicles with varying performance characteristics under different operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between safety and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the vehicle fleet into performance-based groups and implements hierarchical assignment rules that consider multiple performance parameters beyond just braking capability. This segmentation approach allows flexible assignment strategies that can prioritize braking performance for safety-critical lead positions while accommodating other vehicle characteristics in less critical positions, maintaining both safety and system versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automated vehicle driving control in a platoon includes obtaining first operational parameters of a first vehicle, including at least a first measured braking performance of the first vehicle, obtaining second operational parameters of a second vehicle, including at least a first measured braking performance of the second vehicle, determining a platoon sequence according to the operational parameters by assigning whichever of the first vehicle and the second vehicle that has a lesser measured braking performance as a lead vehicle in the platoon sequence, and assigning the other of the first vehicle and the second vehicle as a follower vehicle in the platoon sequence, initiating a platoon sequence driving route, and controlling automated driving of the follower vehicle according to tracking of the lead vehicle, wherein the automated driving includes automated steering control, automated acceleration and automated braking based on tracked movement of the lead vehicle.