ATV Daytime Running Light Control via Engine Speed Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Daytime running lights (DRLs) have not been widely adopted in utility vehicles (UVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) due to the absence of a body control module, leading to higher energy consumption and reduced safety benefits, as these vehicles operate in environments with less frequent interactions and unpredictable travel paths.
Innovation Solution
A DRL control method and module that utilizes the engine control unit's microprocessor to turn on DRLs only when the engine speed exceeds a threshold and when other lights are off, minimizing energy consumption and maximizing visibility, which can be implemented without a separate microcontroller, using the microcontroller for the starter motor relay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If daytime running lights are continuously operated in UVs and ATVs, then vehicle visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The DRL control module dynamically adjusts the operation state of daytime running lights based on real-time detection of travel path conditions. The system transitions from static continuous operation to dynamic conditional operation, activating lights only when unpredictability is detected in the travel path, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining visibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of DRLs from a fixed on-state to a variable state based on detected conditions. By monitoring travel path unpredictability and adjusting the light operation parameter accordingly, the system achieves optimal balance between visibility and energy consumption for UVs and ATVs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If daytime running lights are operated only when needed, then energy consumption is reduced, but vehicle visibility may be insufficient during critical periods
Solution Approach 1:
The DRL control module implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors travel path conditions and adjusts DRL operation accordingly. By detecting unpredictability in the travel path and providing feedback to the control logic, the system ensures lights are activated during critical periods while remaining off during predictable conditions, thus maintaining visibility reliability without excessive energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of travel path conditions before determining DRL operation. By anticipating when visibility may be needed based on detected unpredictability patterns, the system activates lights in advance of potentially critical situations, ensuring reliability without continuous operation.
3Productivity
If a body control module is added to control DRLs, then DRL operation can be optimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DRL control module is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated unit. It detects travel path conditions, determines unpredictability, controls DRL operation, and interfaces with existing vehicle systems, eliminating the need for a separate body control module while achieving optimized DRL control for UVs and ATVs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module utilizes existing vehicle sensors and microprocessor resources to perform DRL control functions without requiring additional dedicated hardware. By leveraging available vehicle systems for detection and control tasks, the module achieves optimized DRL operation while minimizing added complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
An ATV or UV without a body control module includes a daytime running light control module. Daytime running lights are turned on when the engine speed, as indicated by the ECU microprocessor, is equal to or greater than a threshold and when each of the standard and bright headlights and right and left turn indicator lights are off. Otherwise the daytime running lights are turned off. If desired, the microcontroller performing the daytime running light control method may be the same microcontroller which controls the starter motor relay.