Truck Platooning ECU Control for Precise Gap and Gear Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling vehicles, especially in semi-autonomous convoys, lack precision due to limitations in drive-by-wire technologies, which struggle with accurate speed control and direction management, particularly at high speeds and in complex environments.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a platooning ECU that communicates data between lead and rear vehicles using V2V communication, allowing for precise control of torque, braking, and gear shifting by augmenting information on target gaps and time offsets, enabling more accurate and efficient vehicle control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drive-by-wire systems are used for vehicle control, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical drive-by-wire systems with a V2V communication-based control system. The lead vehicle's ECU data is transmitted to rear vehicles, which then control their own actuators based on received commands and local sensor feedback, eliminating the need for direct mechanical linkage while improving control precision through digital communication and local processing.
2Ease of operation
If drive-by-wire systems are used for vehicle control, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where rear vehicles transmit sensor data back to the lead vehicle and adjust their control based on local conditions. This closed-loop feedback system improves reliability by allowing real-time adjustments and error correction, ensuring the control system responds accurately to changing road conditions and vehicle states.
3Measurement precision
If V2V communication with ECU data transmission is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing ECU data structures and communication protocols for multiple purposes: transmitting engine parameters, brake status, transmission state, and positioning information. This multi-functional use of the communication system reduces overall complexity by leveraging existing infrastructure rather than creating separate dedicated systems for each measurement function.
4Productivity
If precise control of torque and braking is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transmits ECU data from the lead vehicle to rear vehicles in advance, allowing rear vehicles to prepare appropriate torque and braking commands before actually needing them. This preliminary action enables smoother control transitions and better fuel efficiency by avoiding reactive adjustments, while the complexity is managed through systematic data transmission protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, gear ratios on vehicles. A front vehicle can shift a gear which, via a vehicle-to-vehicle communication link, can cause a rear vehicle to shift gears. To maintain a gap, vehicles may shift gears at various relative positions based on a grade of a road.