Vehicle Stop-Point Control Using Route-Aware Engine Load Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems struggle to efficiently manage energy consumption when approaching stop points, particularly in scenarios where the vehicle's intended route may conflict with other vehicles' routes, leading to potential blocking and inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that determines if a vehicle needs to stop, assesses the presence and intended route of nearby vehicles, and adjusts engine load accordingly to optimize energy efficiency, either by releasing the engine load if not blocking other vehicles or waiting until other vehicles are in different lanes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle releases engine load and rolls all the way to the traffic light, then energy consumption is reduced and brake wear is minimized, but the vehicle may block other vehicles that need to pass through the green light in other directions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary detection of other vehicles' routes before the vehicle reaches the stop point. By using sensors and communication systems to identify vehicles that need to pass through in other directions, the system can proactively adjust the vehicle's approach speed or timing, ensuring energy-efficient rolling without causing blocking to cross-traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the vehicle's deceleration profile based on real-time detection of other vehicles' intentions. If cross-traffic is detected, the vehicle maintains higher speed or delays rolling to avoid blocking. If no cross-traffic is present, the vehicle maximizes energy-efficient rolling. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between energy savings and potential blocking.
2Speed
If the vehicle maintains drive load on the engine when approaching a red light, then the vehicle is ready to accelerate quickly, but energy is wasted and brake wear increases due to unnecessary braking
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary assessment of the traffic light status and distance to the stop point. When a red light is detected at a sufficient distance, the system pre-plans an energy-efficient approach by releasing engine load and allowing the vehicle to roll, eliminating the need for premature braking while ensuring timely stopping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors traffic light status, vehicle speed, and distance to the stop point. Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts engine load and braking application. The feedback loop ensures the vehicle maintains optimal energy efficiency while achieving necessary stopping and acceleration performance.
3Productivity
If the vehicle stops early at the stop point, then other vehicles can pass through more efficiently, but the vehicle's energy consumption increases and travel time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary detection of other vehicles' routes and intentions before the vehicle reaches the stop point. By identifying vehicles that need to pass through in other directions, the system can proactively adjust the vehicle's approach to optimize both energy consumption and traffic flow efficiency, stopping only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines the optimal stopping point based on real-time traffic conditions. If cross-traffic is detected, the vehicle may stop earlier or hold position to allow efficient passage. If no cross-traffic is present, the vehicle continues rolling to minimize energy consumption. This dynamic decision-making balances traffic flow efficiency with energy savings.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system for energy efficient driving includes a processing circuitry configured to cause the vehicle control system to: determine that the vehicle is approaching a stop point; determine if the vehicle needs to stop at the stop point; determine the presence of at least a first other vehicle within a predefined distance behind the vehicle; and determine the intended route of the at least first other vehicle for determining if the vehicle is going to prepare at least a first energy saving action or not.