Vehicle Speed Control via Active Passive Motion Alternation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle speed control methods require direct driver intervention, leading to complex operation and suboptimal fuel consumption, and are not easily implementable in existing vehicles without additional components like free wheels and boosted electric starters.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle speed control method using a control unit that manages engine torque and transmission to alternate between active and passive motion phases, optimizing speed and fuel efficiency by determining whether to maintain constant or variable speed based on cruise speed, road conditions, and energy savings, without requiring additional physical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct driver control is used to manage active and passive motion phases, then the driver can control vehicle speed, but the operation becomes complex and fuel consumption optimization is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically manages the alternation between active and passive motion phases without requiring direct driver intervention. The system monitors vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position, and other parameters to determine when to transition between phases, making the system self-regulating while optimizing fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from vehicle sensors (speed, accelerator position, engine parameters) and adjusts the alternation timing and duration accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures optimal fuel consumption while adapting to varying driving conditions and driver intentions.
2Reliability
If additional components like free wheel and boosted electric starter are added, then engine start-up capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit leverages existing vehicle components (clutch, starter motor, battery, transmission) to perform multiple functions. The clutch serves both as a connection/disconnection mechanism and as a means to enable passive motion. The existing starter motor and battery are utilized for engine restarts without requiring boosted capabilities, as the system optimizes restart timing to match favorable vehicle conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding a free wheel mechanism to enable passive motion, the system achieves the same effect by controlling the clutch to disconnect the engine from the drivetrain. This software/control-based approach replicates the functional effect of mechanical free wheel devices without the added complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If engine is frequently started and stopped, then fuel consumption is optimized, but the number of start-ups increases requiring robust starter motor and battery
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing and duration of active and passive motion phases based on real-time vehicle conditions, including engine temperature, battery state of charge, and vehicle speed. This dynamic optimization allows frequent engine stops to save fuel while ensuring restarts occur only when conditions are favorable, preventing excessive demands on the starter motor and battery.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method reduces fuel consumption and pollutant production while maintaining travel time, allowing for easy driver regulation and implementation in existing vehicles, without the need for additional components, by optimizing engine operation and minimizing driver intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a period of passive motion, in which the engine is off and disconnected from the driving wheels and thus the vehicle advances by inertia
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling the speed of a vehicle (1); the control method includes the steps of: determining, during a step of designing, a table (15) of motion that determines, as a function of the cruise speed (VC), whether it is more convenient to proceed at a constant speed or to proceed at a variable speed; determining a desired cruise speed (VC) of the vehicle (1); verifying, using the table (15) of motion whether, at the desired cruise speed (VC), it is more convenient to proceed at a constant speed or to proceed at a variable speed; and piloting, if according to the table (15) of motion it is more convenient to proceed at a constant speed, a heat engine (4) and a transmission (5) of the vehicle (1) in order to cyclically alternate a period of active motion, in which the engine (4) is on and transmits a positive torque to the driving wheels (3), and a period of passive motion, in which the engine (4) is stopped and disconnected from the driving wheels (3).