Trailing Vehicle Positioning via Pressure Wake Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the ability to optimize platooning by determining an optimal following distance for vehicles based on the pressure wake of leading vehicles, which affects energy efficiency due to varying drag profiles across different vehicle types and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A system equipped with pressure sensors and an electronic control unit (ECU) that detects pressure data from the pressure wake of a leading vehicle to determine an optimal distance for the following vehicle, minimizing drag and enhancing energy efficiency by positioning the vehicle in a low-pressure zone at the front and high-pressure zone at the rear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a generalized trailing distance is used for platooning, then the system complexity is reduced, but the energy efficiency cannot be optimized for different vehicle types and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the trailing distance parameter based on detected pressure wave characteristics. Instead of using a fixed generalized distance, the following vehicle modifies its position parameter in response to real-time pressure data, optimizing energy efficiency for each specific leading vehicle type and shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The following vehicle autonomously determines its optimal trailing distance by detecting and analyzing the pressure wave pattern generated by the leading vehicle. The system self-adjusts without external input, using its own sensors and control systems to find the energy-efficient position.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the following vehicle positions itself in the pressure wake to reduce drag, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to adapt to different vehicle types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure sensors to detect the pressure wave pattern from the leading vehicle and feeds this information back to the control system. Based on this feedback, the following vehicle adjusts its trailing distance to optimize energy efficiency while adapting to the specific characteristics of different leading vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailing distance is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors pressure wave characteristics and adjusts the following vehicle's position in real-time, enabling adaptation to different vehicle types while maintaining energy efficiency optimization.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to detect pressure wake, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure wave itself acts as an intermediary that carries information about the leading vehicle's aerodynamic characteristics. By detecting this natural pressure signal, the system obtains precise measurement data without requiring complex active sensing systems or direct communication infrastructure.
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
This solution allows for improved fuel efficiency and reduced energy consumption by optimizing the following distance based on real-time pressure data, providing a smoother ride and increased safety by adapting to different leading vehicle types and driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor located in or on the main body and configured to detect a pressure corresponding to a pressure wake from a leading vehicle
Implementation Method 2
If the pressure wave is timed such that a front end of a trailing vehicle is located in a low pressure portion of the wave and a rear end of the trailing vehicle is located in a high pressure portion of the wave then the trailing vehicle will experience reduced wind resistance at a front end of the vehicle and increased pressure behind the vehicle propelling the vehicle forward
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling platooning by a following vehicle includes a main body of the following vehicle. The system further includes a pressure sensor located in or on the main body and configured to detect a pressure corresponding to a pressure wake from a leading vehicle. The system further includes an electronic control unit (ECU) located in or on the main body, coupled to the pressure sensor, and configured to determine an optimal distance from the following vehicle to the leading vehicle based on the detected pressure. The optimal distance corresponding to a distance at which drag applied to the following vehicle is reduced based on the pressure wake from the leading vehicle.