Vehicle Acceleration Control System for Fuel Efficiency Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle acceleration optimization methods are inadequate as they either require operator training or behavioral modification, or they are not transparent and seamless, leading to suboptimal fuel efficiency and increased emissions due to human factors and manufacturing deviations.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a non-transitory data storage device and a processor that adjusts the input control value of a vehicle's acceleration mechanism based on a candidate damping value, detecting changes in operator behavior to incrementally adjust the acceleration curve, ensuring optimal fuel efficiency and reduced emissions without requiring operator intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If optimized acceleration curves are implemented to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, then fuel efficiency and emissions are improved, but vehicle perceived performance and operator satisfaction deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidvehicle perceived performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the acceleration curve based on real-time monitoring of operator behavior patterns. The ECU modifies acceleration parameters on-the-fly rather than using a fixed curve, allowing the system to adapt to changing operator preferences and driving conditions, thus maintaining both fuel efficiency and perceived performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by monitoring operator compensation behaviors (such as increased pedal input) and using this information to adjust the acceleration curve. When operators consciously or unconsciously increase acceleration to compensate for perceived slowness, the system detects these patterns and modifies the curve to account for them, preventing the operator from needing to over-compensate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If acceleration curves are optimized for new vehicle specifications, then fuel efficiency is improved, but performance degrades over time as drivetrain components wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidvehicle performance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static acceleration curve to a dynamic one that evolves with the vehicle. By continuously monitoring actual vehicle performance and comparing it to expected performance, the system adapts the acceleration curve to compensate for drivetrain wear and component degradation, maintaining optimal fuel efficiency throughout the vehicle's lifecycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively adjusts the acceleration curve before significant performance degradation becomes apparent to the operator. By monitoring subtle changes in vehicle response and operator compensation behaviors, the system makes preliminary adjustments to maintain optimal acceleration characteristics, preventing the need for aggressive corrections later

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If aggressive acceleration is provided to improve perceived vehicle responsiveness, then operator satisfaction is improved, but fuel efficiency and emissions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle responsivenessVSAvoidfuel efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system modifies acceleration curve parameters (such as initial acceleration rate, peak acceleration timing, and deceleration phases) to optimize the balance between responsiveness and fuel efficiency. By adjusting these parameters based on operator behavior patterns and driving conditions, the system provides adequate perceived responsiveness while minimizing energy consumption and emissions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9387861B1System, method, and apparatus for optimizing acceleration in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2016.07.12 PEDAL LOGIC
  • US9387861B1 patent drawing
  • US9387861B1 patent drawing
  • US9387861B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An input control system, method, and apparatus for adjusting an input control value of a motor or engine by damping the acceleration curve. In certain aspects, the damping may gradually increase until the input control optimization system detects a change in the behavior of the vehicle operator, for example, in the form of a conscious or unconscious increase in aggressive use of the accelerator pedal. When such behavior is detected, the input control optimization system reverses the damping and begins to restore gradually the original acceleration curve until aggressive pedal use by the operator is no longer detected.