Vehicle Control System Unloaded State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard vehicle control algorithms suffer reduced performance due to unexpected reduced downward forces experienced by vehicles during upward movements, such as cresting hills or driving over curbs, leading to an 'unloaded state' where braking forces are insufficiently applied.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle control system that includes sensors and a controller to detect vehicle motion characteristics, determine when an unloaded state occurs, and activate countermeasures to adjust the operation of vehicle control systems, such as traction control, anti-lock braking, and vehicle dynamics control, to improve performance by adjusting sensitivity, intervention magnitude, and entry/exit points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standard vehicle control algorithms are used during upward movements, then the vehicle control system operates with fixed parameters, but braking forces become insufficiently applied due to reduced downward forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force applicationVSAvoidresponse to unloaded state
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle control system dynamically adjusts control parameters based on real-time detection of unloaded states. The controller monitors sensor data indicating reduced downward forces and modifies braking control algorithms accordingly, transitioning from fixed parameters to adaptive parameters that respond to changing vehicle loading conditions during upward movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes control parameters when an unloaded state is detected. The controller identifies the unloaded condition through sensor data and adjusts braking force application parameters, sensitivity thresholds, and control algorithm constants to compensate for reduced downward forces, ensuring reliable braking performance across varying vehicle loading conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the vehicle control system increases sensitivity to detect unloaded states, then detection accuracy improves, but false activation of countermeasures may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunloaded state detectionVSAvoidcontrol system stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller continuously monitors sensor data providing feedback on vehicle motion characteristics and downward forces. This feedback loop allows the system to distinguish between transient variations and genuine unloaded states, adjusting control sensitivity dynamically based on the duration and magnitude of detected anomalies, thereby reducing false activations while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes predetermined thresholds and criteria for unloaded state detection before operation. By pre-defining the conditions that constitute a genuine unloaded state versus normal vehicle motion, the system prepares the control algorithm to accurately distinguish between the two, preventing false activation while maintaining high detection sensitivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If countermeasures are activated to compensate for unloaded state, then vehicle stability is maintained, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing vehicle control system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it continues to execute standard braking control algorithms while simultaneously detecting unloaded states and applying compensatory adjustments. The controller integrates the unloaded state detection and compensation functionality into the existing control architecture, allowing a single system to handle both normal and abnormal operating conditions without requiring separate dedicated systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3109107B1Flying car extended vehicle control method
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3109107B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3109107B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3109107B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods to adjust the operation of various vehicle control systems to improve performance based on detection of a condition in which the vehicle is in an unloaded or reduced normal force state. In one embodiment, the system includes a vehicle control system, a sensor module, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive sensor values from the sensor module. The controller is further configured to determine vehicle motion characteristics based on the sensor values. The controller is further configured to determine that an unloaded state exists when the values of the vehicle motion characteristics exceed threshold values. The controller is further configured to activate countermeasures when the controller determines that the unloaded state exists.