Throttle Control System for Vehicle Speed Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle throttle control systems face challenges in efficiently managing acceleration and deceleration, leading to issues with fuel economy, vehicle damage, and driver stress, particularly during transitions between driver control and automated throttle control.
Innovation Solution
A throttle control system that receives input voltage from a vehicle throttle controller, processes speed and location data to generate a throttle control signal, constraining acceleration or forcing deceleration based on predefined threshold values, which can be updated based on geofences, speed limits, and weather conditions, and communicates with an internet service for remote updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If automated throttle control is implemented to manage acceleration and deceleration, then fuel economy and safety are improved, but driver stress and vehicle damage risk increase during transitions between driver control and automated control
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a gradual throttle modification approach before full automated control engagement. The throttle control signal is adjusted incrementally over multiple cycles rather than abruptly, preventing sudden vehicle dynamics changes that would cause driver stress. This preparatory gradual adjustment counteracts the potential harmful effect of abrupt automated control transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by implementing transition management that cushions the shift from driver control to automated throttle control. The gradual modification of throttle positions over multiple cycles acts as a cushion, absorbing the shock of control transition and preventing abrupt changes that would increase driver stress and potential vehicle damage.
2Speed
If aggressive throttle control is applied to force deceleration or constrain acceleration, then vehicle speed control is improved, but vehicle damage and driver stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the throttle control approach adaptive and variable rather than static and aggressive. The throttle modification occurs dynamically over multiple cycles, adjusting the rate of change based on current vehicle conditions. This dynamic approach maintains effective speed control while reducing peak stresses on vehicle components compared to aggressive immediate throttle changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by applying throttle control modifications in discrete cycles rather than as a single aggressive action. The throttle control signal is adjusted incrementally over multiple periodic cycles, allowing the vehicle systems to adapt gradually to each change. This periodic approach achieves the desired speed control while distributing mechanical stress over time, reducing the risk of vehicle damage.
3Ease of operation
If gradual throttle modification is used to reduce driver stress, then driver comfort is improved, but control response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by implementing gradual throttle modification that achieves sufficient control effectiveness without requiring full aggressive throttle changes. The incremental adjustments over multiple cycles provide adequate speed control for most scenarios while maintaining driver comfort, accepting that some scenarios may require more cycles than others but avoiding excessive aggressive action in all cases.
Data Source
AI summary
A throttle control system and method for use with a vehicle. The throttle control system receives an input voltage from a vehicle throttle controller. The throttle control system prepares a throttle signal and provides the throttle signal to the throttle to force deceleration to a selected speed or constrain acceleration to a selected value. Preparing the throttle signal may follow detection of maximum threshold values of speed or input voltage. The maximum threshold values may be specific to the location of the vehicle. The throttle signal and the maximum threshold values may be defined with reference to the input voltage, vehicle speed, vehicle location, or other parameters. The throttle signal may force deceleration or constrain acceleration incrementally to mitigate loss of vehicle throttle controller responsiveness to driver commands. The throttle signal may be an output voltage provided to a vehicle electronic control module.