Vehicle Distance Control State Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional driver assistance systems for maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead often operate in energy-inefficient states, particularly when decelerating, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method for a driver assistance system that dynamically selects from a group of predefined operating states (constant driving, freewheeling, overrun, recuperation, and braking) based on the distance and relative speed between vehicles, excluding energy-inefficient states and using activation and deactivation distance ranges to manage transitions between these states, ensuring energy-efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional distance control systems operate with continuous drive and braking interventions, then the distance to the vehicle ahead is maintained, but energy consumption increases due to inefficient operating states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddistance control reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between multiple predefined operating states (coasting, constant driving, braking) based on real-time conditions such as distance to the vehicle ahead and relative speed. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to select the most energy-efficient operating state while maintaining safe distance control, resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and control reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by selecting from predefined operating states with distinct characteristics (coasting mode, constant driving mode, braking mode). By transitioning between these parameterized states based on distance and speed conditions, the system achieves energy efficiency without compromising the reliability of distance maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the vehicle uses coasting maneuvers for speed control, then energy efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases due to multiple operating states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into multiple predefined operating states (coasting, constant driving, braking), each optimized for specific conditions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve energy efficiency through targeted state selection while keeping the overall control logic manageable through clear state definitions and transition rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically selects and transitions between operating states based on predefined criteria (distance ranges, relative speed thresholds) without requiring complex real-time optimization algorithms. This self-service approach to state selection simplifies the control system architecture while maintaining energy efficiency through automated, rule-based decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If the system switches between multiple predefined operating states, then energy-efficient operation is achieved, but the transition control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy-efficient operationVSAvoidstate transition control
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic state transitions based on real-time monitoring of distance and relative speed parameters. Predefined transition criteria ensure that the system automatically switches to the most energy-efficient operating state while maintaining smooth control transitions, balancing energy efficiency gains with manageable control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors distance to the vehicle ahead and relative speed, using this feedback to determine appropriate operating state transitions. This feedback mechanism ensures energy-efficient operation through automated state selection while keeping transition control logic straightforward through clear, condition-based decision rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2870041B1Method for a driver assistance system of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2016.11.09 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2870041B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2870041B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2870041B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a driver assistance system (10) of a vehicle (60) for controlling a distance from the vehicle (60) to a further vehicle. In the method, a distance between the vehicle (60) and the further vehicle and a relative speed between the vehicle (60) and the further vehicle are determined. When the vehicle (60) approaches the further vehicle, the vehicle (60) is operated in an operational state from a group of a plurality of predetermined operational states in dependence upon the distance and the relative speed.