Vehicle Range Estimation Using Torque-to-Acceleration Load Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving range estimation systems in vehicles do not accurately account for changes in vehicle loading, trailer presence, or load weight, leading to inaccurate initial and subsequent range estimates.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts driving range estimation based on torque input by calculating a torque-to-acceleration ratio and comparing it to stored averages, using existing or newly calculated energy efficiency estimates to update the range display in real-time, incorporating factors like vehicle loading and trailer weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If driving range estimation is calculated based on average fuel/energy consumption without real-time adjustments, then the calculation is simple and fast, but the accuracy of the driving range estimation deteriorates when vehicle loading conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors actual fuel/energy consumption during vehicle operation and compares it with the average consumption to calculate a correction factor. This feedback mechanism updates the driving range estimation in real-time, improving accuracy when loading conditions change without requiring complete recalculation from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter used for estimation from static average consumption to dynamic corrected consumption by applying a correction factor derived from actual measured consumption. This allows the estimation to adapt to changing vehicle conditions while maintaining computational efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If the driving range estimation system incorporates real-time factors such as vehicle loading, trailer presence, and load weight, then the accuracy of the estimation improves, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a correction factor as an intermediary element that encapsulates the effects of multiple real-time variables (vehicle loading, trailer presence, load weight) into a single multiplicative adjustment applied to the average consumption. This mediator simplifies the integration of complex real-time factors without requiring the system to directly measure and process each individual variable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms multiple physical parameters (loading conditions, trailer presence, weight) into a single correction factor parameter that can be applied uniformly to the consumption calculation, reducing the dimensionality of the problem while preserving accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle uses a new energy efficiency estimation when torque-to-acceleration ratio is not in stored averages, then the estimation adapts to new conditions, but additional calculation is required increasing processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores average torque-to-acceleration ratios for common driving conditions in memory. When a matching condition is detected, the system immediately retrieves the corresponding energy efficiency estimation without performing new calculations, thus adapting quickly to familiar conditions while minimizing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a partial check by first comparing against stored average ratios before considering new estimation calculation. This staged approach ensures that most routine conditions use pre-computed values (partial action), while only novel conditions trigger full recalculation (excessive action), optimizing the balance between adaptability and speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of driving range estimation includes: receiving a first signal indicating a shift of the vehicle out of park; calculating a torque-to-acceleration ratio of the vehicle based on a measured acceleration of the vehicle and a measured torque of the vehicle once driving begins; comparing the calculated torque-to-acceleration ratio at the measured acceleration to average torque-to-acceleration ratios for the vehicle; determining whether the calculated torque-to-acceleration ratio is included in the average torque-to-acceleration ratios stored in the memory; determining a new energy efficiency estimation based on the torque-to-acceleration ratios that are closest to the calculated torque-to-acceleration ratio when the calculated torque-to-acceleration ratio is not included in the average torque-to-acceleration ratios; calculating the driving range estimation based on one of the existing energy efficiency estimation and the new energy efficiency estimation; displaying the driving range estimation; updating the driving range estimation displayed while driving; and storing the new energy efficiency associated.