Combination Operating Element for Automated Engine Start
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of preparing a vehicle for travel, particularly the need for manual operation of ignition switches and gear selection, is not aligned with modern vehicle usage modes, where vehicles are increasingly used as inhabitable spaces with various functions without requiring engine preparation.
Innovation Solution
A combination operating element is used to automatically start the drive engine and establish a frictional connection between the engine and wheels upon driver selection of a gear, eliminating the need for a separate ignition key or engine start/stop switch, and allowing the vehicle to detect the driver's intent to use the vehicle for travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate ignition key or engine start/stop switch is used to start the drive engine, then the engine can be reliably started, but the operation becomes complex and burdensome for the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ignition key function and gear selection into a single combination operating element. When the driver selects a gear position, the system automatically detects this input and triggers the engine start sequence, eliminating the need for a separate ignition key action while ensuring reliable engine starting through the integrated control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's control system automatically detects the driver's gear selection intent and autonomously initiates the engine starting process. The system monitors the combination operating element input and self-activates the starter motor and related systems without requiring the driver to manually operate a separate ignition switch, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If manual gear selection and engine starting are required separately, then precise control is achieved, but the preparation process for travel becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to automatically perform the engine starting action as a preliminary step immediately when the driver selects a gear position. The control unit detects the gear selection input and proactively initiates the engine start sequence before the driver would need to manually start the engine, thereby reducing preparation time while maintaining precise control through the structured sequence of operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the gear selection operation with the engine starting function into a single integrated action. By combining these two previously separate manual operations into one automated sequence triggered by the combination operating element, the system reduces the time required for vehicle preparation while preserving the precision of control through the defined operational logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ignition switches and separate gear selection mechanisms are used, then each function can be independently controlled, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ignition key function and gear selection mechanism into a single combination operating element. This multi-functional component allows the system to maintain independent control over engine starting and gear selection through electronic control logic while physically reducing the number of separate mechanical operating elements, thereby decreasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination operating element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the gear selector and the trigger for engine starting. This universal component replaces what were previously two separate specialized components (ignition key and gear shifter), reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the ability to independently control each function through the control unit's processing of the single operating element's inputs.
Data Source
AI summary
In a motor vehicle having at least one drive engine, the vehicle is made ready for travel, at least as concerns the starting of the drive engine and preferably also the establishment of a frictional connection between the drive engine and driven wheels, by way of a combination operating element which is actuated manually by the driver, without relying on a manually actuated operating element provided for at least the first starting of the drive engine upon the operational start of the vehicle. The vehicle is made ready for travel when at least one manually generated command to select a gear is given by the driver via actuation of the combination operating element.