Platoon Engine Stop-Start Control Using V2X Kinematic Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing STT systems are not suitable for controlling automatic engine stopping and starting in a group of vehicles traveling in a platoon, as they operate on an individual vehicle scale and lack coordinated communication and control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A process and system for controlling automatic engine stopping in a group of vehicles per platoon, involving a first vehicle that receives kinematic information and environmental data from other vehicles, and transmits control requests for engine stopping or starting based on this information, using V2X communication mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If STT systems operate at the individual vehicle level, then each vehicle can independently control its engine stopping and starting, but the system is not suitable for coordinated circulation within a platoon of vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to platoon operationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges individual vehicle STT systems into a coordinated platoon-wide system by establishing communication links between vehicles. The lead vehicle's STT control decisions are transmitted to following vehicles via V2V communication, enabling synchronized engine stop-start operations across the entire platoon while maintaining individual vehicle control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The STT control system is designed to function both as an individual vehicle control system and as a coordinated platoon control system. The same control unit can operate independently when a vehicle is not in a platoon, or coordinate with other vehicles when in a platoon, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If vehicles in a platoon maintain larger distances for safety, then individual vehicle STT systems can operate independently, but road congestion increases and throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroad throughputVSAvoidplatoon operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary coordination of engine stop-start events across the platoon before actual stopping occurs. The lead vehicle announces intended stop events to following vehicles in advance, allowing them to prepare for synchronized stopping. This preliminary action enables tighter spacing while maintaining reliability, as all vehicles are pre-coordinated to stop and restart together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If STT systems are activated in individual vehicles during traffic stops, then fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced, but the system lacks anticipatory capability for platoon environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidanticipatory capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the lead vehicle receives information about upcoming stop events from infrastructure or sensors, and this information is transmitted to following vehicles. Following vehicles use this feedback to anticipate stop events and coordinate their engine stop-start timing with the lead vehicle, optimizing fuel consumption across the entire platoon rather than reacting individually to stops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4330096B1Method and device for controlling an automatic engine stop-start system in a platoon of vehicles
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP4330096B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4330096B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling an automatic engine stop-start system in a platoon of vehicles. To this end, a first vehicle (10) of said platoon receives first information representative of the kinematics of at least one second vehicle (11, 12) of said platoon according to a vehicle-to-everything communication mode, referred to as V2X. The first vehicle (10) obtains second information representative of an environment of said platoon and transmits, according to the V2X communication mode, to said at least one second vehicle (11, 12), at least one automatic engine stop-start system control request based on said first information and said second information.