Platooning ECU V2V Data Transmission for Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems, such as drive-by-wire systems, lack precision for vehicles traveling on public roads, particularly at high speeds, as they rely on mechanical components like accelerator pedals and steering wheels, which are not sufficient for precise acceleration, braking, and direction control.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a platooning ECU that communicates data between lead and rear vehicles using V2V communication, allowing the rear vehicle to adjust its engine, brake, and transmission operations based on real-time data from the lead vehicle, including torque, distance, and speed, to maintain a target gap and ensure precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drive-by-wire systems are used to control vehicle speed and direction, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and control precision deteriorate due to reliance on mechanical components like accelerator pedals and steering wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical drive-by-wire components (accelerator pedals, steering wheels, cable systems) with direct electronic control systems. ECUs communicate digitally with engine control units, transmission control units, and steering control units, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages and improving both control precision and responsiveness while maintaining ease of operation through electronic interfaces
2Ease of operation
If mechanical components like accelerator pedals and steering wheels are used in drive-by-wire systems, then ease of operation is maintained, but control precision deteriorates particularly at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical sensing and actuation components with electronic sensors and electronic control actuators. Electronic sensors provide higher precision feedback on pedal position, steering angle, and vehicle parameters, while electronic actuators deliver more precise control authority, especially critical for high-speed stability and responsiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters from mechanical position and force to electronic signals with higher resolution and faster response times. Electronic control allows for continuous, high-precision adjustment of throttle position, brake pressure, and steering angle, enabling finer control granularity that mechanical systems cannot achieve
3Productivity
If V2V communication is implemented for platooning control, then productivity is improved through efficient convoying, but device complexity increases due to additional communication systems and data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates V2V communication functionality into existing ECU architectures, allowing the same communication infrastructure to serve multiple functions including platooning coordination, collision avoidance, and fleet management. This multi-functionality approach increases productivity through efficient convoying while minimizing additional device complexity by reusing existing electronic components
4Reliability
If precise control systems are implemented for platooning, then reliability is improved through better safety and gap maintenance, but device complexity increases due to multiple ECUs and communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the platooning control functionality with existing vehicle ECUs (engine, transmission, brake, steering). Rather than adding separate dedicated platooning hardware, the patent integrates platooning logic into the existing control architecture, allowing these ECUs to coordinate both individual vehicle control and platoon formation tasks. This integration maintains high reliability through precise control while reducing device complexity by eliminating redundant systems
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration or deceleration, and speed. In some aspects, a lead vehicle can wirelessly transmit information from various electronic control units (ECUs) to ECUs in a rear vehicle. A rear vehicle can then apply transformations to the information to account for a desired following distance and a time offset. ECUs onboard the rear vehicle may then be controlled based on the ECUs of the lead vehicle, the desired following distance, and the time offset.