Vehicle Platoon Exit Control for Safe Close-Spacing Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle platooning systems face challenges in achieving optimal fuel efficiency and safe spacing due to limitations in automated or semi-automated driving, particularly for heavy-duty trucks, which require closer spacing for fuel benefits but must maintain safe distances during braking and maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
A platoon control system that uses sensor data and communication networks to assign capability scores to vehicles, determine optimal positions and spacing, and adapt platoon behavior to allow vehicles to efficiently enter or exit the platoon, while monitoring dynamic capabilities and rearranging vehicles to maintain safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicles maintain larger spacing for safety, then collision risk is reduced, but fuel economy deteriorates due to increased drag
Solution Approach 1:
The platoon system dynamically adjusts vehicle spacing based on real-time conditions. Vehicles can maintain smaller gaps when conditions permit (improving fuel economy) while automatically increasing spacing when safety concerns arise. The system continuously monitors and adapts inter-vehicle distances rather than maintaining fixed spacing, resolving the contradiction between safety and fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor data and communication networks to continuously monitor vehicle positions, speeds, and environmental conditions. This feedback loop allows the platoon to automatically adjust spacing in response to changing conditions, maintaining optimal balance between safety margins and aerodynamic efficiency. The feedback mechanism enables real-time optimization of the safety-fuel economy tradeoff.
2Loss of energy
If vehicles travel in close proximity for drag reduction, then fuel economy improves, but safety risk increases due to reduced reaction time
Solution Approach 1:
The platoon control system acts as an intermediary between vehicles, coordinating their movements and spacing. Rather than relying on individual driver reactions, the system mediates inter-vehicle interactions through automated control, enabling closer spacing while maintaining safety through centralized coordination and real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively adjusting vehicle spacing and speed before safety issues arise. Rather than reacting to emergencies, the platoon control system anticipates potential hazards and pre-adjusts parameters to prevent unsafe conditions, allowing vehicles to travel closer while maintaining safety margins.
3Loss of energy
If automated platoon systems reduce vehicle spacing, then fuel efficiency increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platoon control system performs multiple functions using integrated sensors, processors, and communication modules. The same hardware infrastructure supports spacing control, safety monitoring, fuel optimization, and coordination tasks simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, managing complexity while achieving fuel efficiency goals.
4Reliability
If vehicles maintain two-second spacing manually, then safety is ensured, but productivity decreases due to reduced traffic flow efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The automated platoon system dynamically optimizes spacing to balance safety and productivity. Rather than maintaining fixed two-second gaps, the system adjusts spacing in real-time based on traffic conditions, vehicle performance, and environmental factors, enabling tighter platoons that improve traffic flow efficiency while maintaining adequate safety margins through automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatuses include one or more processing circuits including one or more memory devices coupled to one or more processors. The one or more memory devices are configured to store instructions thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive a parameter regarding operation of a first vehicle of a first platoon; compare the parameter to a first predetermined threshold; responsive to determining that the parameter satisfies the first predetermined threshold, determine an exit parameter for the first vehicle; and cause the first vehicle to exit the first platoon based on the exit parameter.