Vehicle Control Device for Downhill Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control methods fail to efficiently manage driving power in response to changes in road surface inclination, particularly during acceleration and deceleration, which affects energy efficiency and vehicle speed maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that includes a driving source, a control device, and an inclination detecting unit, which switches between different power states to adjust driving power based on road surface inclination, using a rotating electric machine or engine, to maintain vehicle speed and improve energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the driving source operates at high output to maintain vehicle speed on downhill, then vehicle speed is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device switches the driving source between first-state (higher output) and second-state (lower output) in a periodic manner during downhill inertial traveling. This periodic switching allows the vehicle to maintain speed through alternating phases of power delivery and coasting, improving energy efficiency while preserving speed maintenance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The output of the driving source is made dynamic by switching between different operating states (first-state and second-state) rather than maintaining a fixed high output. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing conditions during downhill travel, reducing energy consumption while maintaining vehicle speed within acceptable ranges.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the driving source is switched off during inertial traveling, then energy efficiency is improved, but vehicle speed control becomes insufficient when road inclination changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control device employs periodic switching between first-state (driving source operating) and second-state (driving source switched off or at low output) during inertial traveling. This periodic action ensures that the driving source is available when needed while maximizing energy efficiency during coasting phases, providing both energy savings and speed control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses feedback from the inclination detecting unit to adjust the switching strategy between first-state and second-state. When downhill inclination is detected, the control device modifies the switching pattern to maintain appropriate vehicle speed, ensuring adaptability to road conditions while preserving energy efficiency benefits.
3Speed
If the driving source operates continuously, then vehicle speed is easily maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device implements periodic switching between first-state (driving source operating) and second-state (driving source off or low output) during inertial traveling. This creates an alternating pattern of power delivery and coasting, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining vehicle speed through the momentum built during driving phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that the driving source is periodically re-engaged to maintain vehicle speed within the permitted range. Rather than complete discontinuation, the system provides continuous speed maintenance through alternating phases of power delivery and coasting, optimizing the balance between energy consumption and speed control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively improves energy efficiency by adjusting driving power in response to road surface changes, maintaining vehicle speed within a permitted range and reducing energy consumption, especially when traveling downhill.
Implementation Method 1
an inclination detecting unit for detecting an inclination of a road surface
Implementation Method 2
a driving source for generating driving power for traveling of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
traveling control for the vehicle that travels using the inertial force of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes: a motor generator generating driving power for traveling of the vehicle; an ECU for controlling the motor generator; and an inclination detecting unit for detecting an inclination of a road surface. The ECU executes a driving power change operation that causes the vehicle to travel while switching between a first state (high output state) of the motor generator where first-level driving power is generated and a second state (low output state) of the motor generator where driving power smaller than that in the first state is generated. When it is recognized that the vehicle is traveling on a downhill, based on the inclination detected by the inclination detecting unit, the ECU sets the driving power in the first state to be smaller than that when the vehicle travels on a flat road.