Single-Track Cruise Control for Group Ride Distance Following

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adaptive cruise control systems for single-track vehicles do not effectively determine whether a single-track vehicle is part of a group ride, leading to inefficient speed adjustments and potential overtaking maneuvers.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a distance detection unit to determine the lateral distance between single-track vehicles and sets a threshold value based on this distance, allowing the vehicle to automatically adjust its speed and follow the vehicle in front if it is part of a group ride.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the cruise control system automatically adjusts speed based on longitudinal distance only, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot accurately determine whether the vehicle is part of a group ride

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegroup ride detection accuracyVSAvoiddistance measurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing radar-based distance detection unit, originally designed only for longitudinal distance measurement, is enhanced to also determine lateral distance. This multi-functionality allows the system to detect group rides using the same hardware infrastructure, avoiding additional complex sensors while improving detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from one-dimensional longitudinal distance measurement to two-dimensional spatial measurement by incorporating lateral distance detection. This dimensional expansion enables the cruise control system to accurately identify group ride scenarios by analyzing both longitudinal and lateral positions of surrounding vehicles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the system uses lateral distance detection to identify group rides, then group ride detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral distance measurementVSAvoidsensor requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reuses the existing radar-based distance detection unit for both longitudinal and lateral distance measurements. By programming the existing sensor to extract lateral distance information in addition to its primary longitudinal function, the system achieves enhanced measurement capability without adding new hardware components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing distance detection unit serves dual purposes: its primary function for longitudinal distance measurement and an additional function for lateral distance measurement. This self-service approach allows the single sensor to provide comprehensive spatial information needed for group ride detection without requiring external assistance or additional sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the cruise control system continuously monitors lateral distance to determine group rides, then detection accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegroup ride detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor operation energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs lateral distance measurements periodically or event-triggered when group ride conditions are suspected. This periodic operation reduces the energy burden on the distance detection unit while maintaining sufficient detection accuracy for identifying group ride scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system leverages the existing radar-based distance detection unit's capability to provide both longitudinal and lateral distance information from the same sensor operations. By extracting multiple pieces of information from single sensor activations, the system reduces the frequency of sensor operations and associated energy consumption while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the vehicle to accurately determine if it is part of a group ride, allowing for efficient speed adjustments and reducing unnecessary overtaking maneuvers, all without requiring additional hardware beyond existing adaptive cruise control systems.

Implementation Method 1

The lateral distance between two leading single-track vehicles and between the ego vehicle and a leading single-track vehicle can be determined using a distance detection unit, which is part of an adaptive cruise control system for implementing the method. The distance detection unit is, in particular, a radar-based distance detection unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Data Source

PatentEP4279351B1Method for adjusting a cruise control function with automatic distance adjustment in a single-track vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4279351B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2b
  • EP4279351B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a method for setting a cruise control function with automatic distance control in a single-track vehicle, the lateral distance between two preceding single-track vehicles is determined, a threshold value is determined as a function of the lateral distance, the lateral distance between the own single-track vehicle and a preceding single-track vehicle is determined, and the preceding single-track vehicle is used as the target vehicle to follow in the case that the lateral distance between the own single-track vehicle and the preceding single-track vehicle is less than or equal to the threshold value.