Vehicle Speed Control Transient Motor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle speed control systems are ineffective in off-road conditions due to limitations such as minimum speed requirements, wheel slip events, and inability to maintain progress in rough terrain, leading to increased driver workload and potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that communicate a change in activation state of a vehicle speed control system by causing a transient increase in motor speed, allowing the system to control vehicle speed without increasing net driving force, thereby providing intuitive feedback to the driver without visual distraction and preventing unintended acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a visual display is used to indicate system activation, then the driver receives clear feedback, but the driver's attention is diverted from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual feedback with auditory feedback through a speaker system. The controller generates a audible signal that provides system activation feedback without requiring the driver to look at visual displays, thus maintaining driver attention on the road while still conveying necessary information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary auditory signal as a mediator between the control system and the driver. Instead of direct visual contact, the speaker system transmits information through sound waves, allowing the driver to receive feedback peripherally without breaking visual contact with the road.
2Reliability
If the speed control system is disabled at low speeds, then collision risk is reduced, but the system becomes ineffective in off-road conditions requiring low speed control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed threshold adjustment based on detected terrain conditions. The controller monitors wheel slip and terrain characteristics, and automatically adjusts the minimum speed threshold for speed control system operation. In off-road conditions with detected wheel slip, the system allows operation at lower speeds than the standard threshold, adapting to the specific driving environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the speed control system based on terrain detection. The minimum speed threshold parameter is modified from a fixed value to a variable that adjusts according to wheel slip detection and terrain conditions, enabling the system to operate safely in both on-road and off-road environments.
3Productivity
If the speed control system operates in wheel slip conditions, then vehicle progress is maintained, but the system may cause unintended acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring of wheel slip conditions and vehicle acceleration. The controller detects wheel slip events and adjusts powertrain torque application in real-time to maintain vehicle progress while preventing unintended acceleration. The system monitors the relationship between wheel rotation and vehicle movement to ensure controlled acceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary counter-actions to prevent harmful effects before they occur. When wheel slip is detected, the controller pre-adjusts powertrain torque to prevent excessive acceleration while still maintaining forward progress. The system anticipates potential unintended acceleration and applies corrective torque modulation in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of communicating to a user information in respect of a change in activation state of a vehicle speed control system from an inactive state to an active state, the method being implemented by means of a controller, the active state being a state in which the speed control system is operable to control vehicle speed in accordance with a target speed at least in part by causing application of positive powertrain drive torque, the inactive state being a state in which the speed control system does not cause application of positive powertrain drive torque, comprising: causing a transient increase in a speed of a motor of the powertrain prior to the speed control system controlling vehicle speed in accordance with a target speed in the active state.