Vehicle Transmission Control via Speed Profile Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing fuel consumption in vehicles, such as coasting and engine braking, are not optimized, leading to suboptimal fuel savings and profitability, as they fail to accurately predict when coasting becomes unprofitable, resulting in unnecessary engine braking and increased fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that simulate a future speed profile based on road slope and gear position to determine whether coasting should be continued or suspended, ensuring it is only used when profitable, thereby reducing engine speed and fuel consumption by making more informed decisions about gear usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If coasting is used to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel savings are achieved, but the vehicle may exceed speed limits or fail to respond to braking needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary simulation of future speed profiles before actually coasting, evaluating whether coasting will lead to excessive speed or inability to meet braking demands. This advance evaluation prevents unreliable coasting decisions by predicting future vehicle states based on road gradient, traffic signs, and traffic light information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual vehicle speed against simulated speed profiles and adjusts coasting decisions based on feedback from speed sensors, road gradient sensors, and traffic information systems. This feedback mechanism ensures that coasting is suspended when it would compromise speed control reliability.
2Speed
If engine braking is used to control vehicle speed, then speed control is achieved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical engine braking with a simulation-based decision support system that predicts the optimal use of coasting versus engine braking. By substituting direct mechanical control with intelligent simulation and evaluation, the system reduces fuel consumption while maintaining speed control through more efficient coasting strategies.
3Use of energy by moving object
If coasting is extended longer to maximize fuel savings, then fuel efficiency improves, but the vehicle may not be able to respond to sudden braking demands
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates future road conditions, traffic signs, and traffic light patterns in advance to determine the maximum safe coasting duration. By performing preliminary assessment of upcoming braking demands, the system can extend coasting longer when safe while automatically suspending it when sudden braking will be required, thus maximizing fuel efficiency without compromising braking response capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for choosing a transmission mode in a vehicle over the course of a road section, wherein the vehicle has applied coasting prior to this road section and wherein a highest permitted speed vmax is defined for the road section, below which an actual speed for the vehicle should be kept. A simulation of a future speed profile vsim_Gear for a possible gear position for a gearbox in the vehicle is conducted on the basis of a road slope obtained from map data in combination with vehicle positioning information and wherein the simulation simulates, when the road section lies ahead of the vehicle, an actual speed for the vehicle over the course of the road section. Next, an evaluation is carried out of whether a suspension of the coasting in favor of the possible gear position is recommended, wherein the possible gear position is deemed recommendable if a highest value vsim_Gear_max for the future speed profile exceeds the highest permitted speed vmax. The evaluation is then utilized in the choice of transmission mode.