Predictive Vehicle Speed Control for Road Crest Queue Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle speed control systems, especially in heavy vehicles, often cause traffic queues and increased energy consumption due to automatic speed reductions, particularly on single-lane roads, which can be perceived as stressful for drivers and disrupt natural traffic flow.
Innovation Solution
A method and control arrangement that determine speed reductions based on the gradient of a downhill slope and the number of lanes in an upcoming road section, limiting speed reductions on single-lane roads to mitigate traffic queues and optimize energy consumption by using a combination of engine torque management and auxiliary braking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If automatic speed reduction is applied before downhill slopes to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but traffic queues form and driver stress increases on single-lane roads
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different speed control strategies based on local road characteristics (single-lane vs. multi-lane sections). In single-lane sections, speed reduction is limited to prevent queues and driver stress, while in multi-lane sections, full speed reduction is allowed for maximum energy savings. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by adapting the control approach to specific road contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed control system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on real-time detection of road type and traffic conditions. The control parameters are not fixed but change according to the detected environment, allowing the system to optimize energy consumption when appropriate while preventing negative effects when road conditions dictate.
2Use of energy by moving object
If speed reduction is applied before downhill slopes, then energy consumption is reduced, but traffic flow is disrupted causing queues behind the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements location-specific speed control strategies by detecting whether the vehicle is in a single-lane or multi-lane road section. In single-lane sections where speed reduction would disrupt traffic flow and cause queues, the system limits speed reduction. In multi-lane sections where overtaking is possible, the system allows full speed reduction for energy savings, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and traffic flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from road type detection and traffic condition monitoring to continuously adjust speed control decisions. By detecting the number of lanes and traffic conditions behind the vehicle, the system receives feedback that informs whether speed reduction should be applied, allowing it to balance energy consumption with traffic flow maintenance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If aggressive speed control is used to maintain set speed downhill, then speed stability is improved, but brake system wear and overheating increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary speed reduction on approach to downhill sections before gravity causes excessive speed increase. By reducing speed in advance when the road gradient is detected, the system utilizes the vehicle's momentum and reduces reliance on brake systems during the downhill section, thereby maintaining speed stability while preventing brake overheating and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips the need for continuous brake application by using predictive speed control. Instead of relying on brakes to maintain speed stability during the downhill section, the system has already adjusted speed beforehand, allowing the vehicle to coast through the downhill section with minimal brake intervention, thus avoiding brake energy loss and overheating.
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 approach enhances traffic flow, reduces energy consumption, and improves driver experience by minimizing unnecessary speed decreases, allowing for more even vehicle speed and reduced overtaking, thereby increasing road safety and the effectiveness of energy-saving cruise control functions.
Implementation Method 1
Motor vehicles, and especially heavy motor vehicles such as trucks and buses, are affected by gravity on downhill gradients in such a way that propelling the vehicle requires less engine torque.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a control arrangement for controlling a speed of a vehicle in an upcoming road section comprising a road crest. The method comprises: determining a speed reduction to be performed before reaching the road crest based on at least a gradient of a downhill slope following the road crest; determining whether the upcoming road section has a single lane or multiple lanes; controlling the speed of the vehicle in the upcoming road section based on the speed reduction and based on whether the upcoming road section has a single lane or multiple lanes, wherein the speed reduction is limited when the upcoming road section has a single lane compared to when the upcoming road section has multiple lanes. In some embodiments, the speed reduction of the vehicle is limited in situations when there is a risk of queues building up behind the vehicle.