Abstract:
A vehicle control system for automated driver-assistance includes a model-based controller that generates a first control signal to alter an operation of a plurality of actuators of a vehicle based on a reference trajectory for the vehicle, and a present state of the vehicle and actuators. The vehicle control system further includes a neural network controller that generates a second control signal to alter the operation of the actuators of the vehicle based on a reference trajectory for the vehicle, and the present state of the vehicle and actuators. The vehicle control system further includes a combination module that combines the first control signal and the second control signal to operate the actuators based on a combined signal.
Abstract:
In exemplary embodiments, methods, systems, and vehicles are provided that include: one or more sensors disposed onboard a vehicle and configured to at least facilitate obtaining sensor data for the vehicle; one or more location systems configured to at least facilitate obtaining location data pertaining to a location of the vehicle; a computer memory configured to store map data pertaining to a path corresponding to the location; and a processor disposed onboard the vehicle and configured to at least facilitate: generating an elevation profile along the path using the sensor data and the map data; and providing instructions for controlling the vehicle using the elevation profile.
Abstract:
A vehicle, and a system a method of navigating a vehicle. The system includes a trajectory planning module and a trajectory tracking module. The trajectory planning module operates at a processor of the vehicle to generate a trajectory for the vehicle. The trajectory tracking module operates at the processor to track the trajectory to navigate the vehicle. The trajectory planning module and the trajectory tracking module run asynchronously from each other.
Abstract:
A method of maintaining stability of a motor vehicle having a first axle, a second axle, and a steering actuator configured to steer the first axle includes determining localization and heading of the vehicle. The method also includes determining a current side-slip angle of the second axle and setting a maximum side-slip angle of the second axle using the friction coefficient at the vehicle and road surface interface. The method additionally includes predicting when the maximum side-slip angle would be exceeded using the localization, heading, and determined current side-slip angle as inputs to a linear computational model. The method also includes updating the model using the prediction of when the maximum side-slip angle would be exceeded to determine impending instability of the vehicle. Furthermore, the method includes correcting for the impending instability using the updated model and the maximum side-slip angle via modifying a steering angle of the first axle.
Abstract:
Methods and systems implemented in a vehicle involve obtaining a single camera image from a camera arranged on the vehicle. The image indicates a heading angle ψ0 between a vehicle heading x and a tangent line that is tangential to road curvature of a road on which the vehicle is traveling and also indicates a perpendicular distance y0 from a center of the vehicle to the tangent line. An exemplary method includes obtaining two or more inputs from two or more vehicle sensors, and estimating kinematic states of the vehicle based on applying a Kalman filter to the single camera image and the two or more inputs to solve kinematic equations. The kinematic states include roll angle and pitch angle of the vehicle.
Abstract:
A spring-damper assembly for a suspension corner employed in a vehicle having a vehicle body and a road wheel includes a fluid spring configured to suspend the vehicle body relative to the road wheel. The spring-damper assembly also includes a damper configured to attenuate compression and rebound oscillations of the fluid spring. The spring-damper assembly additionally includes a spring-seat housing configured to retain the fluid spring and establish a position of the fluid spring relative to the damper. The spring-seat housing includes an inner surface defining a contour configured to guide the fluid spring upon compression thereof around the damper and define a non-linear stiffness of the fluid spring. A vehicle having such a spring-damper assembly is also provided.
Abstract:
A suspension assembly between a sprung element and an unsprung element includes load-carrying spring arranged in parallel with a negative stiffness element between the sprung element and the unsprung element. The spring is configured with a positive spring rate to support a static load of the sprung element. The negative stiffness element is configured with a negative spring rate and to exert a force opposing the spring rate of the spring. The negative spring rate has a magnitude that cancels the positive spring rate at a zero deflection point of the suspension assembly.
Abstract:
A linear motion device includes a rod extending along a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of actuator units. Each of the plurality of actuator units includes at least one Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) element that is attached to a coupling mechanism. The at least one SMA element of each if the plurality of actuator units moves the coupling mechanism along the longitudinal axis, and into grasping engagement with the rod. Each actuator unit moves the rod a unit movement distance along the longitudinal axis in response to a control signal. The plurality of actuator units are actuated repeatedly in a cyclic order to move the rod in a continuous linear motion a distance greater than the unit movement distance of each of the plurality of actuator units.
Abstract:
A vehicle, and a system a method of navigating a vehicle. The system includes a trajectory planning module and a trajectory tracking module. The trajectory planning module operates at a processor of the vehicle to generate a trajectory for the vehicle. The trajectory tracking module operates at the processor to track the trajectory to navigate the vehicle. The trajectory planning module and the trajectory tracking module run asynchronously from each other.
Abstract:
Motion control systems and methods are provided in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a motion control system includes a controller. The controller is configured to: receive target trajectory data associated with an upcoming trajectory of the autonomous vehicle; determine a yaw rate reference and a relative heading reference associated with the upcoming target trajectory based on a numerical integration of the target trajectory data; and control a trajectory of the autonomous vehicle based on the yaw rate reference and the relative heading reference.