Vehicle Movement Direction Control on Grades to Prevent Rollback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle control systems face challenges in determining the direction of movement when transitioning from a stopped position on a hill or graded surface, as existing systems rely on unreliable GPS data and may incorrectly assume direction due to lack of reliable communication, leading to unwanted stress on traction motors and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A controller determines the direction of movement based on the selected travel direction, route grade, and applied tractive or braking efforts, identifying rollback conditions and automatically actuating brakes to prevent unintended movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the control system relies on GPS data to validate travel direction, then the direction validation capability is improved, but the system reliability deteriorates in areas with unreliable GPS communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational method that processes the relationship between tractive/braking efforts and route grade to infer movement direction. This intermediary calculation layer allows the system to determine direction indirectly through physical parameters rather than relying solely on GPS signals, enabling operation in areas with unreliable satellite communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS-based electronic direction detection system with a mechanics-based determination method. By substituting the optical/electromagnetic GPS sensing approach with a mechanical physics model that calculates direction from force relationships (tractive/braking efforts versus gravity on graded surfaces), the system achieves direction validation without requiring reliable satellite communication.
2Speed
If the control system assumes movement direction based on rotational sensor data, then the responsiveness to movement detection is improved, but the accuracy of direction determination deteriorates during rollback conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control system continuously monitors the relationship between applied tractive/braking efforts and actual vehicle movement. By comparing the expected movement (based on applied forces and route grade) with actual movement, the system can detect rollback conditions and correct directional assumptions, thereby maintaining accurate direction determination even during unexpected movement scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the route grade and force analysis to predict and prevent incorrect direction assumptions before they cause problems. The system proactively determines the actual movement direction through physical parameter analysis rather than passively accepting rotational sensor data, thereby preventing the accuracy deterioration that would occur during rollback conditions.
3Extent of automation
If the control system waits to determine movement direction after brake release, then the automation level is improved, but the response time to prevent rollback deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing route grade data and force relationships before brake release occurs. The control system prepares the directional determination framework in advance, so that when the brake is released and movement begins, the system can immediately apply the pre-established physical model to determine direction without delay for complex calculations during the critical rollback prevention window.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method configured to determine a direction of movement of a vehicle in response to a brake being released or in response to initiating movement of the vehicle from a stopped position along a route. The direction of movement is determined based on a selected travel direction of the vehicle, a grade of the route, and at least one of applied tractive efforts or applied braking efforts.