Vehicle Coasting Recommendation Using Route-Based Speed Envelopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle propulsion control systems lack the capability to selectively determine coast speed based on various internal and external factors, and fail to provide effective coast recommendations to operators, leading to inefficiencies in fuel economy and operator discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize vehicle position data to determine a projected route, speed change positions, and target speed profiles, enabling the calculation of a coast start point and communication of this information to the operator, thereby optimizing energy efficiency and reducing operator distraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If vehicle propulsion control systems provide coast recommendations to operators, then fuel economy is improved, but operator distraction may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary communication interface that presents coast recommendation information in a controlled, non-intrusive manner. This intermediary layer filters and formats the information flow to the operator, ensuring that fuel economy optimizations are achieved without creating excessive distraction or information overload for the driver.
2Use of energy by moving object
If coast speed is determined based on multiple factors (road grade, curvature, speed limits, traffic), then energy efficiency is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex determination of coast speed into distinct functional modules: road grade analysis, curvature assessment, speed limit verification, and traffic condition evaluation. Each module processes specific parameters independently, and their results are integrated to determine the optimal coast speed. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive energy optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion control system is designed with multi-functional capabilities that allow it to handle multiple tasks simultaneously: monitoring road conditions, analyzing traffic patterns, determining coast recommendations, and communicating with the operator. This universal design consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized systems, reducing overall complexity while achieving comprehensive energy efficiency optimization.
3Use of energy by moving object
If coast recommendations are provided continuously, then fuel economy is maximized, but operator distraction and information overload increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous information delivery, the system implements periodic communication of coast recommendations at strategically determined intervals and moments. Recommendations are presented when the vehicle approaches optimal coasting zones rather than continuously, reducing operator information overload while maintaining fuel economy benefits through timely, relevant guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a coast recommendation for an operator of a vehicle, including receiving vehicle position data; determining a projected route; determining a first speed change position and a first speed change target speed; determining a first residual speed and a first residual speed position based at least in part on the first speed change position and the first speed change target speed; determining a first lower speed envelope; determining an overall lower speed envelope based at least in part on the first residual speed; determining an upper speed envelope; determining a target speed profile based at least in part on the first residual speed, the first residual speed position, the first lower speed envelope, and the upper speed envelope; determining a coast start point based at least in part on the target speed profile; and communicating the coast start point to the operator of the vehicle.