Platooning Server Cost Distribution via Sensor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming and managing multi-vehicle platoons are inefficient in terms of cost, energy, and emission, as they require vehicles to adjust speed manually and lack a systematic approach for distributing resource savings among participating vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a platooning server to manage and negotiate between vehicles, determining and updating cost, resource, and emission distributions based on sensor data, allowing for fair compensation and optimized route planning through communicative coupling and sensor data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles manually adjust speed to form platoons, then platoon formation is possible, but time is lost and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a platooning server as an intermediary that automatically manages platoon formation by receiving sensor data from vehicles, determining optimal platooning configurations, and coordinating speed adjustments. This mediator eliminates the need for manual speed adjustment by drivers, as the server autonomously processes vehicle data and implements platoon formation decisions, thereby resolving the time loss associated with manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual speed adjustment process with an automated electronic system. Sensors detect vehicle parameters and communicate them to the platooning server, which then automatically controls speed adjustments through electronic communication between vehicles. This substitution of mechanical driver actions with automated electronic control eliminates the time delay inherent in manual speed matching for platoon formation.
2Productivity
If vehicles travel individually, then route flexibility is maintained, but energy consumption and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual vehicle operations into a coordinated platoon system. By combining vehicles into platoons with a lead vehicle and following vehicles, the system achieves improved fuel efficiency through reduced air resistance and optimized routing. The merging of vehicles into a unified platoon structure allows for collective energy savings while maintaining individual vehicle autonomy through electronic coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The platooning server performs multiple functions: it receives sensor data from various vehicles, processes routing information, determines platoon formation feasibility, coordinates speed adjustments, and manages compensation calculations. This multi-functional system handles diverse tasks that would otherwise require separate mechanisms, thereby managing the complexity of platoon coordination while enabling significant energy efficiency improvements.
3Loss of energy
If platoon formation is mandated, then energy savings are achieved, but driver autonomy and operational flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic platoon formation system where vehicles can autonomously decide whether to join or leave platoons based on real-time conditions. The platooning server provides options rather than mandates, allowing drivers to maintain autonomy by selecting individual travel when preferred or platoon formation when beneficial. This dynamic approach enables energy savings through voluntary platoon participation while preserving driver choice and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensor data from vehicles continuously informs the platooning server about current operational conditions, energy consumption patterns, and driver preferences. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt platoon formation recommendations based on real-time information, enabling energy optimization while respecting driver autonomy. Drivers receive feedback about potential energy savings and can make informed decisions about platoon participation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for distributing cost of platooning trucks, are discussed. The method comprising a step of receiving (S301, S302) at least two platooning requests and determining (S303), based on said requests, a platooning plan comprising which is determined to reduce a combined estimated resource consumption. The method further comprises the step of determining (S304) at least one estimated resource gain distribution for the vehicles (501, 502, 601, 602) associated with the platooning plan and determining (5305) an estimated compensation associated with each vehicle (501, 502, 601, 602) based on the estimated resource gain distribution. The method further comprises receiving (5306) sensor data collected while platooning of the vehicle (501, 502, 601, 602) associated with the user devices (100; 100a; 100b; 401; 402), and determining (S304), an updated compensation associated with at least one vehicle (501, 502, 601, 602) based on the estimated compensation associated with the respective vehicle (501, 502, 601, 602) and the received sensor data.