Vehicle Driver Model With Coasting State for Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control methods during test runs result in suboptimal fuel consumption and pollutant emissions due to inefficient pedal operation, as they primarily rely on alternating use of the accelerator and brake pedals to manage speed differences between current and required vehicle speeds.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a driver model that selects and activates various vehicle statuses, including a coasting status, to optimize fuel efficiency and emissions by adjusting vehicle speed without using drive or braking energy, employing a state machine to dynamically change between statuses based on target power requirements and tolerance bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the accelerator and brake pedals are used alternately to control vehicle speed, then the vehicle speed can be adjusted to match the target speed profile, but the fuel consumption increases and pollutant emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coasting status as an intermediary state between acceleration and braking. The driver model activates this intermediate status to allow the vehicle to coast without drive power, reducing energy consumption while still controlling speed. This mediator status bridges the gap between active propulsion and active braking, enabling more efficient speed management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the vehicle by introducing a coasting status where drive power is reduced to zero while maintaining vehicle motion. This parameter change allows the vehicle to transition from high-energy consumption (acceleration) to low-energy consumption (coasting) without requiring active braking, thereby improving fuel efficiency while maintaining speed control capability.
2Speed
If the accelerator and brake pedals are used alternately to control vehicle speed, then the vehicle speed can be adjusted to match the target speed profile, but the pollutant emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coasting status serves as a mediator that reduces the frequency and intensity of acceleration and braking operations. By introducing this intermediate state, the system minimizes the number of times the accelerator and brake pedals are operated, thereby reducing pollutant emissions associated with frequent engine load changes while maintaining effective speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts what would normally be wasted kinetic energy during deceleration into a beneficial coasting phase. Instead of immediately applying brakes when speed reduction is needed, the system allows the vehicle to coast, utilizing residual momentum to maintain motion without energy input. This converts potential energy waste into a fuel-saving opportunity while reducing emissions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple vehicle statuses are activated frequently including coasting status, then fuel efficiency improves and emissions are optimized, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vehicle operation into distinct statuses (acceleration status, coasting status, braking status) with clearly defined selection conditions. This segmentation allows the driver model to systematically manage transitions between statuses based on simple conditional logic, making the control strategy manageable despite the multiple statuses. Each status has specific entry and exit conditions that simplify the overall control complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operating a driver model for controlling a vehicle. According to the invention, a vehicle status of the vehicle is selected and activated by the driver model from a number of vehicle statuses (301, 303, 305, 307, 309) by comparing a current status of the vehicle with at least one selection condition specified for a particular vehicle status, the number of vehicle statuses (301, 303, 305, 307, 309) comprising at least a first vehicle status (301, 303, 305, 307, 309) and a second vehicle status (301, 303, 305, 307, 309). Furthermore, the driver model, on activation of a particular vehicle status (301, 303, 305, 307, 309), enables at least one control command assigned to the vehicle status (301, 303, 305, 307, 309) for modifying a setting of the vehicle, wherein a plurality of changes are made by the driver model between a currently activated vehicle status (301, 303, 305, 307, 309) and at least one further vehicle status (301, 303, 305, 307, 309) and, for at least one change of the plurality of changes, a coasting status (303), in which the vehicle is coasting, is activated before any activation of the further vehicle status (301, 303, 305, 307, 309) by the driver model.