Creep Mode Control Circuit for Automatic Transmission Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles with automatic transmissions experience unwanted creep mode activation when stationary, leading to increased energy consumption, wear, and the need for constant brake engagement, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A circuit that allows the creep mode to be activated by preselecting a reverse travel direction, enabling intuitive control and deactivation through selector lever position, brake pedal pressure, or accelerator pedal action, allowing the vehicle to coast without brake engagement when not needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the creep mode is activated in conventional vehicles with automatic transmissions, then the vehicle can be maneuvered at slow speed by releasing the brake, but the vehicle requires constant brake engagement when stationary, leading to increased energy consumption and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the creep mode switchable rather than permanently active. The control unit dynamically adjusts the creep mode based on detected driving situations, allowing the vehicle to transition between creep mode and coasting mode. This resolves the contradiction by enabling maneuverability when needed while reducing energy consumption during stationary periods through automatic deactivation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of creep mode activation from a fixed state to a variable state controlled by driving conditions. By detecting parameters such as brake pedal position, accelerator pedal position, and vehicle speed, the system adjusts whether creep mode is active or inactive. This allows the vehicle to optimize between maneuverability and energy consumption based on real-time conditions.
2Reliability
If the creep mode is activated in conventional vehicles, then the vehicle does not roll back when starting uphill, but the brake must be held when stationary, which is annoying in traffic jams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring driving situations through sensors detecting brake pedal position, accelerator pedal position, and vehicle speed. The control unit processes this feedback information to automatically determine when to activate or deactivate creep mode. This resolves the contradiction by providing vehicle stability through creep mode when needed (preventing roll-back) while automatically deactivating it during stationary periods in traffic jams, eliminating the need for constant brake engagement and improving driver convenience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the creep function is permanently available in electric vehicles, then the vehicle can coast when not needed, but the creep mode cannot be switched on or off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the creep mode to automatically activate and deactivate based on detected driving situations without requiring manual driver input. The control unit autonomously determines when creep mode is appropriate based on sensor data from brake and accelerator pedals, as well as vehicle speed. This resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability to different driving characteristics while keeping the control system relatively simple, avoiding the need for complex manual switching mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The circuitry (10) activates a creep mode by preselecting a return trip direction, receives a selector lever signal of a selector lever of a vehicle and provides a travel signal for the vehicle. The travel signal signalizes the creep mode, where the vehicle is moved into the creep mode from conditions without working of driving pedals. Travel of the vehicle into the creep mode is controlled by brake pedals. The creep mode is deactivated after starting the vehicle. The creep mode is deactivated by exceeding pre-defined minimum speed. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a vehicle (2) a method for controlling a creep mode in a vehicle (3) a program comprising a program code with instructions to execute a method for controlling a creep mode in a vehicle.