Vehicle Drive-Mode Interface Layout for Real-Time Towing Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack an efficient method to display drive-mode specific information on a display device, which can lead to driver distraction and inappropriate vehicle configuration for different driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes a drivetrain, suspension, display device, and in-vehicle control system, which defines multiple drive modes and corresponding interfaces. Each interface displays attributes of the drivetrain, suspension, orientation, or environment, and the control system updates information in real-time based on current values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drive-mode specific interfaces are displayed on the display device, then the clarity and intuitiveness of drive mode selection is improved, but the complexity of the display system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display interface is segmented into drive-mode specific interfaces, where each interface is tailored to display information relevant to a particular drive mode. This segmentation allows the system to present information in a organized, mode-specific manner that improves clarity without requiring the entire display system to be complex
Solution Approach 2:
The display system dynamically switches between different drive-mode specific interfaces based on the selected drive mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the interface to simplify its content based on the current mode, maintaining ease of operation while managing complexity through conditional display logic
2Reliability
If real-time updates of drive mode information are provided, then the reliability of vehicle configuration is improved, but the energy consumption of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The in-vehicle control system implements feedback by continuously monitoring current values of drivetrain, suspension, orientation, and environment attributes, and automatically updating the selected interface when these values change. This feedback mechanism ensures the displayed information remains reliable and synchronized with actual vehicle state without requiring manual updates
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic updates of interface information based on changes in drive mode attributes rather than continuous processing. This periodic action approach maintains reliability by keeping information current while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time processing
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive modes with specific interfaces are implemented, then the adaptability of the vehicle to different driving conditions is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The in-vehicle control system is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple drive modes and their corresponding interfaces through a single unified system. This universal approach allows the control system to adapt to different driving conditions (road, off-road, towing, sport, economy) without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A drive mode hierarchy includes drive mode categories and drive modes belonging to each category. Each drive mode defines values for attributes of the drivetrain and/or suspension of a vehicle. Each drive mode may further have towing and non-towing sub-modes with the towing sub-mode being used when a trailer is detected. An interface is provided for selecting drive modes from the hierarchy and modifying the attributes. The vehicle may define a plurality of trailer profiles including attributes of trailers, such as weight and aerodynamic drag. A user may select among trailer profiles and define the attributes of the trailer profiles. Interfaces displayed by the vehicle may vary according to the selected drive mode and may include a chassis view with interface elements displaying real-time information of components of the vehicle, such as wheels, suspension, and battery. Tiles including real-time information may be displayed according to the selected drive mode.