Vehicle Driving Mode Control via Torque Pattern Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles, particularly road freight vehicles, face inefficiencies in fuel economy when drivers fail to switch from performance mode to economy mode during transitions from off-road to national highway or motorway driving, leading to impaired fuel economy due to prioritization of operability over fuel efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that continuously monitor torque output and speed patterns to determine the most appropriate driving mode, suggesting or automatically switching between operability and economy modes based on predetermined values to optimize fuel consumption without compromising vehicle performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If performance mode is selected to prioritize operability, then vehicle performance and operability are improved, but fuel economy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoperabilityVSAvoidfuel economy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between performance mode and economy mode based on real-time driving conditions. The control system continuously monitors driving parameters and automatically adjusts the vehicle operating mode to match current conditions, making the system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from torque outtake pattern analysis to determine when mode switching is appropriate. By continuously monitoring the proportion of time spent above or below predetermined torque thresholds, the system receives feedback about current driving characteristics and uses this to trigger mode changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If economy mode is selected to optimize fuel consumption, then fuel economy is improved, but operability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel economyVSAvoidoperability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between performance mode and economy mode based on real-time driving conditions. The control system continuously monitors driving parameters and automatically adjusts the vehicle operating mode to match current conditions, making the system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system analyzes torque outtake patterns over a given period to predict when mode switching should occur. By evaluating the proportion of time spent in high or low torque conditions, the system prepares for mode transitions in advance, ensuring smooth switching before performance requirements change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If automatic mode switching is implemented, then fuel economy is optimized, but driver control and awareness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel economyVSAvoiddriver control
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to the driver through notifications when automatic mode switching occurs or when the system detects that manual intervention might be appropriate. This maintains driver awareness and control while still providing automated assistance for optimal fuel economy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2931580B1Method and system for controlling the driving of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP2931580B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2931580B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2931580B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for controlling the driving of a vehicle, which vehicle can be run in at least one mode focused on operability and at least one mode focused on economical operation and can be switched between said modes, comprising the steps of determining (S1 ) a torque offtake pattern continuously over a given period of time (t1 - t2), of determining (S2) the proportion (Q) of said period during which the vehicle runs with a torque offtake which is either above a predetermined value (Mmax) or below a predetermined value (Mmin), and of using said proportion as a basis for deciding (S3) whether the current mode is the most appropriate. The present invention also relates to a system for controlling the driving of a vehicle. The present invention relates also to a motor vehicle. The present invention also relates to a computer programme and a computer programme product.