Cruise Control Setpoint Management via Display Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cruise control systems fail to display the current cruise control speed, allow drivers to select from multiple setpoints, and enable viewing of setpoints when the cruise control is turned off.

Innovation Solution

A cruise control system comprising a vehicle with a processor, memory, display, and a cruise control program that displays the most recent cruising setpoint and a menu of user-adjustable setpoints, allowing drivers to select and view setpoints both when the cruise control is on and off, using a user interface that includes buttons and graphical interfaces to manage setpoints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing cruise control systems are used, then the basic function of maintaining a single cruising speed is achieved, but the system fails to display the current cruise control speed and does not allow drivers to select from multiple setpoints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecruise control setpoint selection and visibilityVSAvoidcurrent cruise control speed display
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cruise control functionality by dividing setpoints into multiple stored options (first setpoint, second setpoint, etc.) and separating the display function from the control function. The display shows current setpoint information independently, allowing drivers to see available options without interfering with the active cruise control operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a display interface as an intermediary between the cruise control system and the driver. This display serves as a mediator that presents setpoint information without requiring direct interaction with the cruise control switches, allowing drivers to view and select from multiple setpoints while the cruise control operates independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing cruise control systems are used, then the system operates with a single setpoint, but it fails to enable drivers to pick from multiple cruise control setpoints or view setpoints when cruise control is OFF

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple cruise control setpointsVSAvoidsetpoint selection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing multiple cruise control setpoints in memory before the driver needs them. The system anticipates future needs by maintaining a library of setpoints (first setpoint, second setpoint, third setpoint) that are readily available for selection, eliminating the need to manually input speeds during driving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the cruise control system adaptable and changeable. Instead of a fixed single setpoint, the system dynamically allows drivers to switch between multiple stored setpoints using switches that cycle through available options. The display dynamically updates to show current setpoint information based on driver selections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If a simple cruise control system is used, then the system is easy to operate, but it lacks the capability to display setpoints and manage multiple cruising speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecruise control setpoint visibilityVSAvoidcruise control program structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a display system that serves multiple purposes: showing current setpoint values, displaying available setpoint options, and providing feedback on cruise control status. The same display infrastructure supports both information presentation and driver interaction, reducing the need for separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10160318B2Vehicle cruise control with multiple set points
Publication Date: 2018.12.25 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US10160318B2 patent drawing
  • US10160318B2 patent drawing
  • US10160318B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In various embodiments, the present disclosure includes a cruise control system with (a) a vehicle having a steering system, an accelerator system, a braking system, a battery, a display, a processor, and memory; and (b) a cruise control program, operatively coupled to the accelerator system and configured to display a most recent cruising setpoint and a menu of user-adjustable cruising setpoints.