Autonomous Vehicle Cornering Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy loss during cornering maneuvers in vehicles due to frictional forces and inefficient speed control leads to decreased fuel efficiency, as vehicles typically slow down before turns and re-accelerate afterwards, resulting in suboptimal energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system equipped with sensors and processing devices that identify curve locations and estimate energy usage at various speeds, selecting an optimal speed for efficient energy use by controlling the vehicle to minimize energy loss through regenerative braking and mechanical losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle slows down before a curve and re-accelerates after the curve, then the vehicle can safely negotiate the turn, but energy loss increases due to frictional forces and re-acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the curve and calculates the optimal entry speed before the vehicle reaches the turn. By determining the target speed in advance and beginning deceleration early, the system minimizes energy loss while ensuring safe cornering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle speed, position, and curve characteristics, then adjusts the deceleration and acceleration profiles in real-time. This feedback mechanism optimizes energy usage by precisely controlling when and how much to slow down and re-accelerate.
2Loss of energy
If the vehicle maintains high speed through the curve, then energy efficiency is improved, but the vehicle may lose control or safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the optimal entry speed for the curve in advance, considering both safety requirements and energy efficiency. This pre-calculated target speed allows the vehicle to enter the curve at the most efficient speed that still ensures safe negotiation of the turn.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the vehicle speed profile based on real-time conditions, curve characteristics, and energy state. Rather than using fixed speed limits, the system optimizes the speed trajectory to balance safety and energy efficiency throughout the cornering maneuver.
3Loss of energy
If the system autonomously controls vehicle speed optimization, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions into a single integrated controller that handles curve identification, speed optimization calculation, and vehicle control execution. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing sensors and communication infrastructure to identify curves and determine optimal speeds, rather than requiring entirely new detection systems. By leveraging available resources, the system minimizes additional complexity while achieving energy optimization.
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 optimizes energy usage by autonomously controlling vehicle speed during cornering maneuvers, reducing energy loss and enhancing fuel efficiency by identifying and managing kinetic energy conversion and storage effectively.
Implementation Method 1
Regenerative braking includes converting kinetic energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The captured electrical energy can be temporarily stored in a battery or fuel cell
Data Source
AI summary
An example vehicle system includes a sensor and a processing device. The sensor is configured to identify a first location and a second location. The processing device is programmed to estimate a plurality of energy usages. Each energy usage is based at least in part on a speed of a host vehicle at the first location. The processing device is further programmed to select one of the plurality of energy usages as a target useable energy and control the host vehicle in accordance with the speed associated with the target useable energy.