Vehicle Startability Prediction Using Future Weather Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driver assistance systems for commercial vehicles only consider current battery parameters and ambient temperature, failing to provide reliable startability assessments for future start times and locations, which limits proactive measures to ensure vehicle startability.

Innovation Solution

A method using a measuring and control device that accounts for local temperature at a probable future vehicle start location, integrating weather data, route planning, and battery parameters to determine startability, allowing for early initiation of charging or energy-saving measures to ensure vehicle readiness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If only current battery parameters and ambient temperature are considered, then the assessment is simple and quick, but the startability prediction for future times and locations is unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestartability prediction accuracyVSAvoidassessment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of startability by integrating weather forecast data for future time points and locations into the evaluation. The measuring and control device retrieves predicted weather data and uses it to project battery temperature and startability at future moments, enabling proactive measures before actual start attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A prognosis device acts as an intermediary between current battery measurements and future startability predictions. This intermediary component processes weather forecast data and current battery parameters to generate projected startability assessments, bridging the gap between present conditions and future outcomes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If startability is assessed only at current time, then the system is simple to operate, but proactive measures cannot be initiated in time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse time for preventive measuresVSAvoidprediction system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables preliminary action by assessing startability at future time points using weather forecast data. This allows drivers to take preventive measures such as charging the battery or adjusting driving behavior before the actual start attempt, rather than reacting after problems occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback about future startability predictions to the driver, enabling informed decision-making. The measuring and control device communicates projected startability status and recommended actions, creating a feedback loop that guides preventive measures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If weather forecast data for future locations is integrated, then future startability can be predicted accurately, but data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature prediction accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The prognosis device serves as an intermediary that handles the complex task of integrating weather forecast data with battery parameters. It processes temperature predictions for future locations and times, translating raw weather data into meaningful startability assessments without burdening the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2982546B1Method for supporting a driver of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, and driver assistance system
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP2982546B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2982546B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2982546B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for assisting the driver of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a measuring and control device (7) by means of which at least one battery parameter of a starter battery (3) of the vehicle (1) is measured, and by means of which the startability of the vehicle (1) is determined from the measured battery parameter. According to the invention, the local temperature at a prospective future vehicle start time and location is taken into account when determining the startability of the vehicle (1).