Vehicle Propulsion Control System with Proactive Engine Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle propulsion systems operate suboptimally due to reactive adjustments, failing to fully leverage available data-rich information sources for improved efficiency and energy management.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle propulsion control system that utilizes geolocation data and sensor information to proactively manage engine output, predict traffic conditions, and optimize engine operation by deactivating the engine before stops, coasting to conserve fuel, and adjusting transmission shifts based on forecasted driving events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the engine operates continuously to meet propulsion demand, then the vehicle can respond reliably to traffic conditions, but fuel consumption increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller forecasts future traffic conditions and driver actions in advance to determine optimal engine deactivation timing. By predicting stop events before they occur and calculating path clearance times, the system proactively shuts down the engine at the right moment, ensuring both fuel savings and reliable response when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor data from the vehicle and environment, compares actual conditions with predicted conditions, and adjusts engine control decisions accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures the engine is deactivated only when safe and will be restarted promptly when propulsion is needed
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is deactivated to save fuel, then energy efficiency improves, but the time required to restart and respond to propulsion demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller predicts future propulsion needs by forecasting driver actions and traffic conditions. By determining the path clearance time and comparing it to a threshold, the system proactively decides when engine deactivation is appropriate, ensuring the engine is only shut off when sufficient time exists before the next propulsion demand
Solution Approach 2:
The engine control strategy dynamically adjusts based on real-time conditions and predictions. The controller continuously evaluates whether to deactivate or maintain engine operation by comparing forecasted stop duration against restart time requirements, adapting the control strategy to match current driving scenarios
3Use of energy by moving object
If reactive adjustments are made to propulsion system operation, then the system remains simple to control, but fuel efficiency and energy management are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs forecast calculations of future traffic conditions and driver actions in advance of actual events. By predicting stop events, path clearance times, and propulsion demands before they occur, the system optimizes fuel efficiency through proactive rather than reactive control, adding intelligence without requiring complex hardware modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion control system uses its own forecasted predictions of driver behavior and traffic conditions to automatically optimize its operation. The controller serves itself by generating internal predictions and using those predictions to make optimal engine control decisions, eliminating the need for external complex control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A host vehicle includes a combustion engine configured to provide a propulsion torque to satisfy a propulsion demand. The vehicle also includes at least one sensor configured to detect a position of a reference vehicle. A vehicle controller is programmed to determine a path between a current host vehicle location and an upcoming intersection. The controller is also programmed to forecast a path clearance time at which the host vehicle is able to traverse the intersection in response to sensor data indicating the reference vehicle moving within the path ahead of the host vehicle. The controller is further programmed to deactivate the engine prior to a host vehicle stop based on the path clearance time being greater than a time threshold.