18166375. DOWNHILL TARGET ACCELERATION CONTROL simplified abstract (TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

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DOWNHILL TARGET ACCELERATION CONTROL

Organization Name

TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

Thomas S. Hawley of Ann Arbor MI (US)

DOWNHILL TARGET ACCELERATION CONTROL - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18166375 titled 'DOWNHILL TARGET ACCELERATION CONTROL

Simplified Explanation

This patent application describes a system for controlling the acceleration of a vehicle while driving downhill. The system includes sensors to detect road grade and vehicle acceleration, as well as a processor to calculate the appropriate acceleration target value based on the vehicle's mass. If the downhill acceleration exceeds the target value by a certain amount, the processor can adjust the acceleration without the driver needing to use the accelerator or brake.

Key Features and Innovation

  • System for controlling downhill acceleration of a vehicle
  • Sensors for road grade and vehicle acceleration
  • Processor to calculate acceleration target value based on vehicle mass
  • Automatic adjustment of acceleration to maintain target value
  • Driver-initiated changes to acceleration target value

Potential Applications

This technology could be used in various vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and buses, to improve safety and efficiency while driving downhill. It could also be applied in autonomous vehicles to enhance their control systems.

Problems Solved

  • Preventing excessive downhill acceleration
  • Improving vehicle stability and control
  • Enhancing driver comfort and convenience

Benefits

  • Increased safety on downhill roads
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • Reduced wear and tear on brakes and tires

Commercial Applications

  • Automotive industry: integration into vehicles for improved performance
  • Transportation companies: fleet management for safer and more efficient driving practices

Questions about the Technology

How does this system improve driver safety on downhill roads?

This system helps prevent excessive acceleration, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall vehicle control.

What are the potential cost savings associated with using this technology?

By reducing wear and tear on brakes and tires, this technology can lead to cost savings for vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption.


Original Abstract Submitted

A downhill target acceleration control system for a vehicle is provided, which includes the vehicle, a road grade sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a processor. The processor stores an acceleration target value, determines the mass of the vehicle, and detects whether a downhill acceleration of the vehicle exceeds the target value by more than a threshold amount. If so, the processor is configured to receive and implement a driver-initiated change to the downhill target acceleration value, without input from the accelerator or brake. Based on the downhill acceleration, the target value, and the mass, the processor generates a negative power train torque request to reduce the downhill acceleration of the vehicle. If the acceleration of the vehicle is then below the target acceleration by more than a second threshold amount, the processor reduces the negative power train torque request to increase the downhill acceleration of the vehicle.