Rolling Launch Control for Optimal Drag Race Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle launch control systems are inadequate for rolling drag races, as they require manual selection of gear and other settings by drivers, which can be overwhelming for inexperienced drivers and lead to sub-optimal acceleration rates.
Innovation Solution
A rolling launch control system that automatically adjusts powertrain and driveline settings based on input parameters, including start speed, traction control, and suspension settings, to optimize vehicle acceleration during a rolling drag race, allowing drivers to focus on steering and racing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual selection of gear and vehicle settings is used during rolling drag races, then drivers have control over vehicle parameters, but inexperienced drivers become overwhelmed and achieve sub-optimal acceleration rates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system automatically adjusts powertrain and driveline settings based on detected rolling launch conditions, eliminating the need for driver intervention in parameter selection. The system serves itself by autonomously optimizing gear selection, throttle positioning, and traction control settings to achieve optimal acceleration without burdening the driver with complex manual adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes multiple vehicle operating parameters simultaneously based on detected start speed and race conditions. This includes adjusting transmission gear ratio, throttle valve position, traction control threshold, and suspension settings to create an optimized configuration for rolling drag race acceleration, transforming static manual selection into dynamic automated parameter optimization
2Adaptability or versatility
If drivers manually adjust multiple vehicle settings during rolling drag races, then customization is possible, but driver complexity and operational burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single automated package, simultaneously managing transmission control, throttle positioning, traction control, and suspension settings. This multi-functional system replaces numerous individual manual adjustment mechanisms with one unified automated control architecture that handles all vehicle parameter optimizations concurrently
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously determines and adjusts all necessary vehicle settings based on detected race conditions, eliminating the need for drivers to understand or manually configure complex parameters. The system self-configures optimal gear selection, throttle curves, traction control thresholds, and suspension settings without driver intervention, reducing operational complexity while maintaining full adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional launch control is used for rolling drag races, then the system is designed for standstill launches, but it fails to optimize acceleration from rolling speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static launch control designed for standstill conditions to dynamic control that continuously adapts to rolling launch conditions. It detects actual vehicle speed, acceleration rate, and road gradient in real-time, then dynamically adjusts powertrain and driveline parameters throughout the launch phase, enabling optimization for any initial speed condition rather than requiring a complete stop
Solution Approach 2:
The system fundamentally changes the operating parameters it controls based on detected launch conditions. When rolling launch is detected, it modifies transmission shift points, throttle response curves, traction control thresholds, and gear selection strategies compared to standstill launch modes, creating condition-specific parameter sets that optimize acceleration from any initial speed
Data Source
AI summary
Rolling launch control techniques for a vehicle involve a set of devices configured to obtain rolling launch control information including at least a start speed for a rolling drag race including the vehicle and a controller configured to control a powertrain of the vehicle such that the vehicle maintains the start speed until the start of the rolling drag race, receive a first driver input in preparation for the rolling drag race, the first driver input including at least a fully-depressed accelerator pedal, optimally adjust settings of at least one of the powertrain and a driveline of the vehicle based on the rolling launch control information, and in response to a start signal or indication for the rolling drag race, stop maintaining the vehicle start speed and launch the vehicle with the fully-depressed accelerator pedal and the optimized powertrain/driveline settings.