Vehicle Platoon Torque Control for Speed-Limiting Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle platooning systems face inefficiencies in optimizing vehicle order and performance, particularly in ascending slopes and during acceleration, due to fixed engine torque limitations which can hinder average speed and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows real-time adjustment of engine torque output based on vehicle-specific data transmission and platoon control, identifying and increasing the torque of vehicles limiting the average speed, thereby optimizing platoon performance without requiring a predetermined physical order.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If vehicles are controlled to drive closely together in a platoon, then fuel consumption decreases and traffic flow improves, but traffic safety may be compromised when done manually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with automated electronic control systems. The automated platoon control system uses electronic communication and control algorithms to manage following vehicles, eliminating the need for manual driver operation while maintaining safe following distances and responsive braking, thus achieving fuel efficiency without compromising safety
Solution Approach 2:
The following vehicles autonomously adjust their speed and braking based on signals from the lead vehicle and platoon control system. The system enables self-regulating behavior where vehicles automatically maintain optimal following distances and coordinate braking actions, achieving safe platooning without manual intervention
2Reliability
If the vehicle with the highest mass takes the lead in the platoon, then braking and acceleration capability is optimized, but the physical ordering process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic repositioning capability where vehicles can change their position in the platoon based on real-time conditions. Instead of fixed physical ordering, the system allows vehicles to dynamically adjust positions through coordinated braking and acceleration, enabling optimal configuration without complex manual repositioning procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameters by using software-based torque adjustment rather than physical vehicle repositioning. By modifying engine torque output parameters through software control, the system optimizes platoon performance without requiring time-consuming physical rearrangement of vehicles
3Speed
If the engine output torque is increased to improve platoon speed, then the average speed of the platoon increases, but the engine strain, load and wear increase reducing its lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing torque boost only when and where needed in the platoon. Instead of permanently increasing engine torque for all vehicles, the system selectively applies temporary torque increases to specific vehicles during specific conditions (such as when limiting platoon speed), achieving speed improvement while minimizing cumulative engine wear through controlled, partial application of excessive torque
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic or temporary torque increases rather than continuous high torque operation. The torque boost is applied in controlled intervals or specific driving conditions, allowing the engine to operate at normal levels during other times, thus achieving speed improvements when needed while preserving engine lifetime through periodic rather than continuous stress
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a platoon (10) of vehicles (1, X), wherein the platoon (10) comprises a leading vehicle (1) and at least one following vehicle (X) following the leading vehicle (1), wherein the leading and the following vehicle (1, X) at least to a certain extent are commonly controlled by a platoon control system (500) so as to drive at a common speed, wherein the method comprises the steps of: —transmitting data (200) from each vehicle (1, X) to the control system (500) comprising information on a current maximum engine torque output and a potential maximum torque output of respective vehicle (1, X); —identifying (300) which one of the lead and the at least one following vehicle (1, X) that limits an average speed (Va) of the platoon (10); and —increasing (400) the setting of the maximum engine torque output for the vehicle (1, X) identified to limit the average speed (Va) of the platoon (10).