Drafting detection and vehicle operation optimization system
First Claim
1. A system for improving a performance or an efficiency of operation of a vehicle experiencing reduced aerodynamic loading due to driving behind a lead vehicle, the system comprising:
- a first sensor configured to detect current vehicle speed data;
a second sensor configured to detect current vehicle slope data;
a third sensor configured to detect spatial data indicating distance to the lead vehicle;
a pedal control unit configured to detect current pedal position data; and
an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to;
determine an expected driving power demand based on the current vehicle speed data and the current vehicle slope data,determine a detected driving power demand based on the current pedal position data,detect a drafting condition when the expected driving power demand exceeds the detected driving power demand and when the spatial data indicates the vehicle is within a proximity of the lead vehicle, andadjust, when the drafting condition is detected, at least one of a chassis control setting, an engine control setting, a transmission control setting, or a hybrid control setting to improve the performance or the efficiency of operation of the vehicle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for improving performance or efficiency of operation of a vehicle. The system includes a sensor configured to detect current vehicle speed data and current vehicle slope data. The system includes a pedal control unit configured to detect current pedal position data. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to determine expected driving power demand based on current vehicle speed data and vehicle slope data. The ECU is configured to determine detected driving power demand based on current pedal position data. The ECU is configured to detect a drafting condition when the expected driving power demand exceeds the detected driving power demand. The ECU is configured to adjust, when the drafting condition is detected, at least one of a chassis control setting, an engine control setting, a transmission control setting, or a hybrid control setting to improve performance or efficiency of operation of the vehicle.
20 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for improving a performance or an efficiency of operation of a vehicle experiencing reduced aerodynamic loading due to driving behind a lead vehicle, the system comprising:
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a first sensor configured to detect current vehicle speed data; a second sensor configured to detect current vehicle slope data; a third sensor configured to detect spatial data indicating distance to the lead vehicle; a pedal control unit configured to detect current pedal position data; and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to; determine an expected driving power demand based on the current vehicle speed data and the current vehicle slope data, determine a detected driving power demand based on the current pedal position data, detect a drafting condition when the expected driving power demand exceeds the detected driving power demand and when the spatial data indicates the vehicle is within a proximity of the lead vehicle, and adjust, when the drafting condition is detected, at least one of a chassis control setting, an engine control setting, a transmission control setting, or a hybrid control setting to improve the performance or the efficiency of operation of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A vehicle comprising:
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a first sensor configured to detect current vehicle speed data; a second sensor configured to detect current vehicle slope data; a third sensor configured to detect spatial data indicating distance to a lead vehicle; and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to; determine an expected driving power demand based on the current vehicle speed data and the current vehicle slope data, determine a current driving power demand, detect a drafting condition when the expected driving power demand exceeds the current driving power demand and when the spatial data indicates the vehicle is within a proximity of the lead vehicle, and adjust, when the drafting condition is detected, at least one of a chassis control setting, an engine control setting, a transmission control setting, or a hybrid control setting. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for improving a performance or an efficiency of operation of a vehicle experiencing reduced aerodynamic loading due to driving behind a lead vehicle, the method comprising:
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detecting, by a first sensor, current vehicle speed data; detecting, by a second sensor, current vehicle slope data; detecting, by a third sensor, spatial data indicating distance to the lead vehicle; detecting, by a pedal control unit, current pedal position data; determining, by an electronic control unit (ECU), an expected driving power demand based on the current vehicle speed data and the current vehicle slope data; determining, by the ECU, a detected driving power demand based on the current pedal position data; detecting, by the ECU, a drafting condition when the expected driving power demand exceeds the detected driving power demand by a demand difference percentage threshold for a period of time exceeding a demand difference time threshold and when the spatial data indicates the vehicle is within a proximity of the lead vehicle; and adjusting, by the ECU, when the drafting condition is detected, at least one of a chassis control setting, an engine control setting, a transmission control setting, or a hybrid control setting to improve the performance or the efficiency of operation of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification