Accelerator Level Display Device for Fuel-Efficient Driving Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accelerator level display devices do not effectively assist drivers in operating within a fuel-efficient range, as they lack clear guidance on the degree of accelerator depression and fail to prevent fuel economy decreases by not displaying the causes of such decreases.

Innovation Solution

An accelerator level display device that includes a detection unit for current accelerator levels, a determining unit for target accelerator levels, and a display unit showing both current and target levels relative to each other, allowing drivers to adjust their accelerator operation to maintain fuel efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If an eco-lamp is turned on or off to indicate fuel-efficient driving, then the driver receives feedback on whether driving is suitable for improving fuel economy, but the driver cannot determine the specific degree of accelerator depression allowed within the threshold

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation on accelerator operation guidanceVSAvoiddisplay device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device segments the accelerator operation guidance into two distinct components: a target accelerator level indicator showing the ideal accelerator position for fuel efficiency, and a current accelerator level indicator showing the driver's actual accelerator position. This segmentation provides specific quantitative guidance while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a spatial dimension to the feedback by displaying accelerator level indicators on a two-dimensional display screen rather than using a simple one-dimensional on/off lamp. This allows simultaneous presentation of target and current levels with clear visual differentiation, providing comprehensive guidance without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If instantaneous fuel economy is calculated and compared with recommended driving pattern, then fuel economy data is provided, but the driver cannot determine how to operate the accelerator before fuel economy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation on accelerator operation guidanceVSAvoidtime delay in feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display device shows the target accelerator level in advance, allowing the driver to adjust accelerator operation before fuel economy deteriorates. By displaying the ideal accelerator position proactively rather than reacting to past fuel economy data, the system enables preventive action that improves fuel efficiency in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by simultaneously displaying both target accelerator level and current accelerator level. This real-time feedback loop allows the driver to immediately see the difference between desired and actual accelerator positions and make corrective adjustments, eliminating the time delay inherent in calculating and displaying past fuel economy data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the accelerator level is displayed relative to a changing target accelerator level, then accurate guidance is provided, but the display becomes difficult to understand and operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccelerator level measurement accuracyVSAvoiddriver operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display device uses color differentiation to represent different accelerator level states. The target accelerator level indicator and current accelerator level indicator are displayed in distinct colors, enabling the driver to quickly comprehend the relationship between desired and actual accelerator positions without complex numerical data, thus maintaining ease of operation while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transforms the abstract concept of accelerator level difference into a visual spatial representation on a two-dimensional display. By showing target and current levels as separate visual elements with clear spatial relationships rather than numerical values, the system maintains precise measurement information while significantly improving driver comprehension and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2255989B1Device for displaying accelerator opening degree and method of displaying accelerator opening degree
Publication Date: 2012.02.08 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP2255989B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2255989B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2255989B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A disclosed accelerator level display device (1) includes an accelerator level detection unit (12) configured to detect an accelerator level; a target accelerator level determining unit (14b) configured to determine a target accelerator level for the accelerator level; and a display unit (15a, 20) wherein the target accelerator level is displayed at a fixed position and the level difference between the target accelerator level and the accelerator level is displayed relative to the target accelerator level.