Vehicle Autoshift Control System with Manual Engine Speed Throttles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle control systems with autoshift functions lack intuitive and real-time control capabilities for drivers, as the settings for shifting conditions are typically set in the factory or re-programmed, which is time-consuming and not easily recognizable, providing no visible feedback to the operator.
Innovation Solution
A control system with two manual control means, such as hand throttles, allows drivers to select modes of operation by setting engine speed parameters, providing clear indications of when upshifts or downshifts will occur, enabling easy and intuitive control over the autoshift function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shifting control logic is re-programmed to change shifting points, then the adaptability of transmission control to different operating conditions is improved, but the time required to adjust settings increases and the operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability of shifting points through manual control means (hand throttles) that allow real-time modification of engine speed thresholds during vehicle operation. The control system continuously monitors the positions of these manual controls and dynamically adjusts the shifting logic accordingly, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-programming while maintaining full adaptability to different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver directly controls the shifting behavior by manually positioning the hand throttles, which serve as both the control interface and the setting mechanism. The system automatically translates these manual positions into corresponding shifting thresholds without requiring external programming or complex configuration procedures, enabling the operator to self-adjust the transmission control instantly.
2Ease of operation
If factory-set shifting parameters are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the driver cannot easily adjust to different driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The driver directly controls the shifting behavior by manually positioning the hand throttles, which serve as both the control interface and the setting mechanism. The system automatically translates these manual positions into corresponding shifting thresholds without requiring external programming or complex configuration procedures, enabling the operator to self-adjust the transmission control instantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system provides visible feedback through indicators that show the current shifting thresholds corresponding to the manual control positions. This feedback mechanism allows the driver to understand the relationship between hand throttle positions and transmission shifting points, making the system intuitive to operate while maintaining relatively simple hardware architecture.
3Loss of information
If traditional hand throttle controls are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the loss of information occurs as there is no visible feedback to the operator about when gears will change
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides visible feedback through indicators that show the current shifting thresholds corresponding to the manual control positions. This feedback mechanism allows the driver to understand the relationship between hand throttle positions and transmission shifting points, making the system intuitive to operate while maintaining relatively simple hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indicators that change or illuminate to indicate different operating modes and shifting conditions. These visual cues provide immediate feedback to the driver about the current gear changing thresholds without adding physical complexity to the control interface, maintaining simplicity while eliminating information loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system and method for a vehicle having an engine and a transmission with an autoshift function comprises a processor coupled to the engine and the transmission of the vehicle and adapted to control the power output of said engine and, in an autoshift mode of operation, the upshifting and downshifting of the transmission. The control system further comprises user interface means (10) coupled to said processor and including a first manual control means (14) being operable to be set to a first engine speed, and a second manual control means (16) being operable to be set to a second engine speed. The interface means (10) provides signals representing the setting of said first and second manual control means (14, 16) to said processor; and said control system has a plurality of modes of operation selectable by the relative settings of said first and second manual control means.