Vehicle Control Apparatus for Curve Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control technologies, such as those described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 2008-68752, do not adequately enhance driving stability and steering ability when a vehicle equipped with an active cruise control (ACC) system is rounding a curve, as they primarily rely on limiting speed based on target lateral acceleration and turning radius without considering dynamic changes in lateral acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control apparatus that incorporates a speed self-adjustment control system using both active cruise control (ACC) and G-flow control (GFC), which adjusts the host vehicle's speed based on lateral acceleration, selecting between ACC and GFC command values to achieve greater deceleration or acceleration, thereby enhancing stability and steering during curve navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the host vehicle's speed is limited based on target lateral acceleration and turning radius, then the vehicle can safely round a curve, but driving stability and steering ability are not adequately enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the speed command value dynamically adjustable based on lateral acceleration feedback. The system continuously monitors lateral acceleration and adjusts the speed command value accordingly, transitioning from a static speed limit approach to a dynamic control strategy that adapts to real-time vehicle behavior during curve navigation, thereby enhancing both stability and steering responsiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using lateral acceleration as a feedback signal to adjust the speed command value. The lateral acceleration detected during curve rounding is fed back to the control unit, which then modifies the speed command to optimize vehicle behavior, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously refines driving stability and steering ability
2Adaptability or versatility
If ACC control and GFC control are simultaneously activated, then comprehensive speed adjustment is possible, but control interference occurs between the two systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively activating either ACC control or GFC control based on driving conditions, rather than simultaneously applying both full-strength controls. The control unit determines which control system should dominate in given situations, applying only the necessary control action to avoid interference while maintaining comprehensive speed adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that mediates between ACC control and GFC control systems. It receives inputs from both control systems and synthesizes a unified speed command value, preventing direct conflict between the two control mechanisms while preserving their individual advantages in different driving scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
In a vehicle control apparatus employing a first speed self-adjustment control system configured to control a speed of a host vehicle based on a first command value, in a manner so as to maintain a distance of the host vehicle from a preceding vehicle or to maintain a set speed, a second speed self-adjustment control system is provided for controlling the host vehicle's speed based on a second command value determined based on information about a lateral acceleration acting on the host vehicle. Also provided is a deceleration selector configured to select either one of the first and second command values, which selected command value produces a greater deceleration exerted on the host vehicle. A control unit is configured to control the host vehicle's speed by driving an actuator based on the selected command value.