Vehicle Route Segmentation for Multimodal Propulsion Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for multimodal vehicles fail to consider the optimal utilization of different propulsion modes, leading to inefficient energy allocation and increased energy consumption during route traversal.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that characterize route segments based on available propulsion resources, such as fuel and electric energy, to determine an optimized route that minimizes energy consumption by considering both near-term and long-term energy characteristics, using a routing engine that controls propulsion resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If navigation systems provide routes based on fastest or shortest route without considering propulsion modes, then route computation is simple and fast, but energy consumption increases due to inefficient propulsion allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the route into multiple route segments and characterizes each segment individually based on propulsion resource requirements. This segmentation allows the system to evaluate energy consumption at each segment level and optimize the overall route by selecting segments that minimize total energy usage while considering the vehicle's multimodal propulsion capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization of route segments before final route selection, evaluating propulsion resource requirements, energy consumption, and terrain features in advance. This preliminary analysis enables the navigation system to pre-calculate optimal routes that account for energy efficiency without compromising real-time routing decisions
2Use of energy by moving object
If multimodal vehicles allocate propulsion modes without considering terrain and route characteristics, then propulsion control is simple, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the propulsion control system continuously monitors vehicle state, route segment characteristics, and energy consumption patterns. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of propulsion mode allocation based on actual performance and remaining route characteristics, optimizing fuel economy while maintaining manageable control complexity through adaptive rather than purely pre-programmed control
3Productivity
If routes are determined without characterizing propulsion resource requirements, then route calculation is fast, but energy allocation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting routes into characteristic sections (e.g., uphill, downhill, flat, curved) and pre-establishing characterization templates for each segment type, the system enables rapid energy efficiency evaluation without full detailed analysis of every route option, maintaining calculation speed while improving propulsion resource allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the evaluation parameters from simple distance and time to include propulsion-specific parameters such as energy consumption, fuel usage, and battery state of charge requirements. These parameter changes are integrated into the routing algorithm to balance calculation complexity with energy optimization goals
Data Source
AI summary
In an exemplary embodiment, a method for determining a route using route segment characterizations is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a processor, a destination. The method further includes determining, by the processor, one or more routes to the destination from a first location. The method further includes dividing, by the processor, each of the one or more routes into one or more route segments. The method further includes characterizing, by the processor, each of the one or more route segments according to propulsion resources available to a vehicle. The method further includes providing, by the processor, an optimized route from the one or more routes based on the characterization of the one or more route segments.