3D Vehicle Mobility Prediction for Real-Time Terrain Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing static vehicle mobility prediction systems in military vehicles fail to adapt to real-time changes in terrain conditions, relying on precomputed data that do not account for weather, environmental shifts, or unexpected obstacles, limiting their ability to optimize vehicle performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic vehicle mobility prediction system (VMPS) that continuously monitors vehicle movement and terrain interaction, using sensors and software programs to assess the vehicle's capability to maintain motion, providing real-time adjustments and route recommendations to avoid immobilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static vehicle mobility prediction system uses precomputed terrain data and fixed mobility models, then the system provides valuable pre-mission planning insights, but the system cannot reflect real-time changes in terrain due to weather, environmental shifts, or combat damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static mobility prediction system into a dynamic one by implementing continuous real-time monitoring of terrain conditions using sensors (LIDAR, cameras, soil sensors) and continuously updating the mobility predictions as the vehicle moves and terrain conditions change, making the system adaptable to weather changes, environmental shifts, and combat damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where sensor data from the vehicle's interaction with terrain is continuously fed back to update the mobility prediction models in real-time, allowing the system to adjust predictions based on actual observed terrain conditions rather than relying solely on precomputed data
2Reliability
If military vehicles include comprehensive terra-mechanical systems and continuous monitoring components, then the vehicle can traverse rugged terrains effectively, but the vehicle operator's ability to determine optimal performance is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility prediction system automatically monitors terrain conditions, processes sensor data, and provides real-time guidance recommendations without requiring the operator to manually analyze complex terrain data or adjust multiple terra-mechanical systems, allowing the system to serve itself in optimizing vehicle performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the complex terra-mechanical systems and the operator, where the system automatically processes sensor data and generates simplified guidance recommendations, shielding the operator from system complexity while maintaining optimal vehicle performance
3Reliability
If a vehicle continuously monitors and adjusts to terrain conditions in real-time, then the vehicle can avoid immobilization and improve safety, but the system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous real-time monitoring system into discrete functional modules (terrain sensing, data processing, prediction modeling, guidance generation) that can operate independently and be updated or maintained separately, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous monitoring capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle that features a dynamic vehicle mobility prediction system (VMPS) that uses a real-time 3D multibody physics-based simulation to analyze vehicle-terrain interactions. It dynamically adjusts vehicle components, including tire pressure, suspension height, power distribution, wheel speed, and traction control settings, to optimize grip, reduce sinkage, and maintain forward motion over challenging terrains. The vehicle is equipped with a vehicle control computer that manages acceleration and braking and is integrated with the vehicle's navigational systems, GPS, and sensors for precise movement. The vehicle control computer receives data and instructions from the dynamic VMPS that includes an onboard vehicle simulation module for real-time vehicle dynamics and terrain interactions, a deformable terrain soil program to assess vehicle to soil reactions, a tire/track soil interaction library, a digital terrain representation program offering a 3D model of the terrain, and a global positioning sensor used to determine the vehicle's position and speed relative to the digital terrain model. The dynamic VMPS is configured to identify possible travel routes and assigns a predictive value to each route. Routes with high and low predictive values are identified and presented to the vehicle operator as ‘Go/No-Go’ travel routes.