Drive Mode Power Control via Processor and Pedal Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles face a trade-off between high power output and fuel efficiency, often resulting in underpowered vehicles that fail to meet consumer expectations for performance and safety, with inconsistent acceleration due to varying power source characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows for selectable drive modes, using a processor and pedal sensor to control engine power based on user-selected modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport modes, which limit or maximize power output to optimize fuel efficiency and performance while maintaining consistent driver feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the power source is designed for lower maximum power output, then fuel consumption is reduced, but vehicle performance and consumer satisfaction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power output characteristics of the power source based on selected drive modes. The processor modifies operational parameters in real-time to provide different power delivery profiles (e.g., limited power for fuel efficiency, unrestricted power for performance), allowing the same power source to adapt between fuel-efficient operation and high-performance demands without physical modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the power source based on drive mode selection. By adjusting parameters such as fuel injection timing, air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, or motor controller settings, the system optimizes the power output characteristics for different driving conditions, enabling the power source to deliver appropriate power levels while managing fuel consumption effectively.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power source is designed for lower maximum power output, then fuel consumption is reduced, but vehicle safety and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic power adjustment based on drive mode selection, allowing the power source to deliver restricted power during normal fuel-efficient operation and unrestricted power when safety or performance requirements demand it. This dynamic capability ensures that fuel consumption is optimized during routine driving while safety-critical maneuvers have access to full power reserves.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the power source characteristics vary due to battery charge level or other system operations, then fuel efficiency may improve, but driver experience and predictability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual power output and operational state of the power source, comparing it against the target power delivery profile for the selected drive mode. When deviations occur (such as those caused by battery charge level changes or other system operations), the processor adjusts control parameters to compensate and maintain the expected acceleration characteristics, ensuring predictable driver experience regardless of varying system conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts operational parameters in real-time to compensate for variations in power source characteristics. By monitoring actual performance and modifying control parameters accordingly, the system maintains consistent acceleration behavior across different battery charge levels and operating conditions, preserving predictable driver experience while optimizing fuel efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable power drive mode system for a vehicle. The system includes a pedal, a processor, an engine or other vehicle power source for moving the vehicle and a battery. The processor of the vehicle determines, either automatically or based upon user input, a desired drive mode for the vehicle. A memory connected with the processor stores different data corresponding to the different drive modes determinable by the processor for the vehicle. The processor uses the different data stored in memory in combination with a position of the pedal to control the engine or other vehicle power source to generate power in accordance with the determined drive mode. Certain drive modes may provide for more aggressive driving profiles at the expense of fuel efficiency or fuel consumption when compared to other drive modes.