ACC extended mode operation

US8224551B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC · US

Inventors

• Kenneth A. Grolle · Elyria, US
• Thomas J. Thomas · Summerville, US
• William P. Amato · Avon, US
• Robert J. Custer · Westlake, US
• Srikiran Kosanam · Elyria, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 24, 2009
• Grant date: Jul 17, 2012
• Expiry date: Dec 13, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60W10/196
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

When employing an a cruise control system in a commercial or heavy-duty vehicle, an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system (14) is activated upon activation of a vehicle or set-speed cruise control (SSCC) system (16). The ACC (14) remains on, even after SSCC shutoff, to maintain a minimum following distance for a primary vehicle in which the ACC (14) is employed and a forward vehicle. The ACC (14) is deactivated after detection of an ACC shutoff trigger event, which may be driver application of the brakes of the primary vehicle, driver-initiated acceleration for a predefined time period, expiration of a predetermined time period, manual shutoff (e.g., via a switch or button), etc.