Vehicle Speed Control System with Dynamic Step Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle speed control systems are ineffective in low-speed conditions and off-road environments, as they often require minimum speed thresholds and are disabled by wheel slip events, limiting their ability to maintain progress in varied and challenging terrains.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle speed control system that allows users to adjust the set-speed in discrete steps, with the magnitude of these steps determined by the vehicle's operational state, including terrain type and speed, enabling more flexible and appropriate speed adjustments for different driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a minimum speed threshold is imposed on cruise control systems, then the likelihood of low speed collision is reduced, but the system becomes ineffective in low speed conditions and off-road environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the minimum speed threshold based on driving conditions. When off-road mode is detected or low-speed conditions are encountered, the system lowers or removes the minimum speed threshold, allowing cruise control to operate effectively in previously restricted environments while maintaining safety in normal conditions
2Reliability
If cruise control system is automatically disabled in certain driving conditions, then safety is improved by preventing low speed collision, but user convenience deteriorates as the system cannot be used when desired
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors driving conditions through sensors and user inputs, and provides feedback by adjusting system operation accordingly. When off-road conditions are detected or user requests activation, the system feedback indicates readiness to operate, maintaining safety while enabling convenient use in appropriate conditions
3Reliability
If cruise control system cancels upon wheel slip detection, then traction control effectiveness is improved, but vehicle progress maintenance deteriorates in off-road conditions where wheel slip is common
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of wheel slip events to determine their cause and context. When wheel slip occurs in off-road conditions, the system evaluates whether it is part of normal off-road operation or indicates a genuine traction problem, and takes preliminary action to maintain cruise control operation while still allowing traction control to function when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the speed of a vehicle, the system being operable to cause the vehicle to operate in accordance with a value of vehicle set-speed, the system being operable to allow a user to change the current value of vehicle set-speed in discrete steps by means of user input means, a magnitude of the discrete steps being determined by the system in dependence on a vehicle operational state.