Trailer Electric Powertrain Control for Semi-Truck Longitudinal Assist
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle systems for semi-trailers face challenges in efficient propulsion, maintenance costs, and driver experience due to reliance on diesel engines, with limited options for after-market electrification and robust longitudinal control.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control method and system that includes an electric powertrain with a supplementary drive axle, sensor suite, and controller, enabling autonomous longitudinal control, torque augmentation, and minimal hardware retrofits, allowing for efficient electrification of tractor-trailer systems without direct communication with primary propulsion systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electric powertrain is added to semi-trailer, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric powertrain acts as an intermediary system between the driver's control inputs and the trailer's motion, providing electric assistance during acceleration and regenerative braking during deceleration without requiring direct integration with the tractor's propulsion system
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle system is segmented into independent functional modules: the electric powertrain for propulsion assistance, the sensor suite for state monitoring, and the controller for coordination, allowing each to be optimized independently while working together
2Reliability
If sensor suite and controller are integrated, then control stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor suite and controller are merged into an integrated control system that continuously monitors vehicle state through sensors and automatically adjusts electric powertrain output to maintain stable longitudinal control, combining multiple functions into a coordinated system
3Speed
If electric powertrain actuation is used to simulate larger engine, then acceleration performance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric powertrain operates in periodic cycles of assistance during acceleration phases and energy recovery during deceleration phases, creating a rhythm of energy consumption followed by energy regeneration that improves overall energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the energy that would be lost during braking into electrical energy through regenerative braking, transforming a previously harmful energy dissipation event into a beneficial energy recovery opportunity
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle control method can include: determining a vehicle state based on a set of vehicle state inputs; determining a command based on the vehicle state; and controlling the vehicle according to the command. The method can optionally include updating a vehicle model based on a control outcome. However, the method S100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements. The method can function to determine longitudinal vehicle control based on a set of vehicle state inputs (e.g., a limited set of inputs—such as without direct knowledge of a throttle input, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle control method can function to infer driving intent based on vehicle state measurements and/or translate inferred driving intent into low-latency vehicle control. Additionally or alternatively, the system can function to autonomously augment longitudinal propulsion, autonomously augment vehicle braking, and/or facilitate autonomous (longitudinal) vehicle control.