Vehicle Control Device Dynamic Inter-Vehicle Distance for Cargo Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle platooning systems, when two vehicles stop while maintaining a short inter-vehicle distance, it can be difficult to access the cargo space of the preceding vehicle, as the following vehicle may hinder the use of the trunk due to insufficient inter-vehicle distance.
Innovation Solution
A control device for vehicles that determines an appropriate inter-vehicle distance based on the cargo space configuration of the preceding vehicle, allowing the following vehicle to stop at a position that does not obstruct the use of the cargo space by adjusting the inter-vehicle distance according to the cargo space size and purpose of stopping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the following vehicle maintains a short inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle, then the vehicles can keep another vehicle from entering between them, but the trunk of the preceding vehicle becomes difficult to use when stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The inter-vehicle distance is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control device adjusts the stopping distance based on whether the preceding vehicle is loading or unloading cargo. When cargo operations are detected, the following vehicle stops at a longer distance to allow trunk access; otherwise, it maintains a shorter distance for security. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between security and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of inter-vehicle distance based on the operational state of the preceding vehicle. By detecting cargo space usage status and adjusting the stopping distance parameter accordingly, the system allows short distance for security during normal travel and long distance for trunk access during loading/unloading operations.
2Productivity
If the following vehicle stops at a short distance from the preceding vehicle, then fuel efficiency and travel time are improved, but the cargo space of the preceding vehicle cannot be accessed properly
Solution Approach 1:
The stopping distance is dynamically adjusted based on the operational needs of the preceding vehicle. During normal travel, the following vehicle maintains a short distance for efficiency. When the preceding vehicle needs to access its cargo space, the following vehicle automatically stops at a longer distance, allowing trunk access without compromising overall travel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device of the following vehicle predicts when the preceding vehicle will need to access its cargo space and adjusts the stopping distance in advance. By detecting signals or patterns indicating upcoming cargo operations, the system prepares the appropriate stopping position before the actual need arises, ensuring both efficiency and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device of a vehicle is configured to control travelling of the vehicle such that the vehicle follows a preceding vehicle based on information received from the preceding vehicle, and determine, based on information regarding a cargo space of the preceding vehicle, an inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle when the vehicles stop. Upon the preceding vehicle having stopped, the device stops the vehicle such that a distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle becomes the inter-vehicle distance determined by the device.