Vehicle Component Setpoint Curves for Smooth Control Intervention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in smoothly transitioning from user-controlled to automated operation, particularly in maintaining a target value for operating variables like speed or temperature, due to complex setpoint curve calculations and sluggish control unit responses under changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for calculating a setpoint curve using a parameterizable progression function, such as an exponential or polynomial, which adapts to real-time vehicle state and boundary conditions, allowing for continuous and controlled transitions to a target value, with cyclic updates to ensure accurate intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a control unit uses a large time constant to achieve smooth transition, then the transition becomes less jerky, but the control unit responds sluggishly and cannot adapt quickly to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the time constant adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the time constant based on the current operating state and distance to the target value. When approaching the target, the time constant increases to ensure smooth settling; when far from target or during rapid changes, the time constant decreases to enable faster response. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between smooth transition and quick response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter (time constant) based on system state. Instead of using a single fixed time constant, the system calculates and applies different time constant values depending on factors such as the deviation from target value, rate of change, and operational mode. This parameter variation allows the system to optimize both responsiveness and smoothness at different stages of the control process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control unit calculates setpoint curves in real-time, then it can adapt to changing conditions, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal time constant values and control strategies in lookup tables or memory structures. Instead of performing complex real-time calculations for every scenario, the system prepares control parameters in advance based on typical operating conditions. During operation, the control unit retrieves and applies these pre-computed values, reducing real-time calculation complexity while maintaining adaptability to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-service by automatically selecting and adjusting control parameters based on its own state measurements. The system monitors its own performance and autonomously modifies the time constant and setpoint trajectory without requiring external intervention or complex external calculations. This self-adjusting capability reduces the need for complex external control logic while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If the system intervenes abruptly to protect the vehicle component, then it prevents damage quickly, but it causes jerky changes and reduces comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a gradual transition phase before the final protective intervention. When a component approaches its safety limits, the system first applies a gentler control action with an adaptive time constant that smoothly reduces the operating parameter toward the safe value. This cushioning approach prevents abrupt changes that would cause discomfort, while still ensuring the component reaches its protected state in a controlled manner. The system balances immediate protection needs with comfort by using time-constant-based smoothing during the intervention process.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for calculating a setpoint value curve for an intervention in an operation of a vehicle component of a vehicle in order to set an operating variable to a target value in the vehicle component. The operating variable is cyclically compared with a start value, and if it is detected that the operating variable has the start value, a setpoint trajectory for setting the operating variable along a time curve in accordance with a predetermined curve shape to the target value starts by an intervention in a manipulated variable which acts on the operating variable.