Vehicle Drive Mode Interface for Trailer-Aware Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack an intuitive and efficient method for drivers to select and modify drive modes, particularly when towing a trailer, which can lead to confusion and increased driver distraction.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an in-vehicle control system that displays an interface for selecting and configuring drive modes, including trailer profiles, using a hierarchical structure and interactive elements such as sliders for adjusting attributes, allowing for seamless selection and modification of drive modes based on current vehicle use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional interface for selecting drive modes is used, then the system structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of intuitive control and increased driver distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct interactive elements, each corresponding to specific drive mode attributes. This allows drivers to selectively adjust only the parameters they need to modify while keeping other settings intact, reducing cognitive load and improving ease of operation without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The interface elements are designed to be dynamically adjustable during vehicle operation. Drivers can modify drive mode parameters in real-time based on current driving conditions, making the system adaptable and easy to use without requiring complex pre-planning or mode switching
2Adaptability or versatility
If detailed drive mode configuration options are provided, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases making the interface harder to use
Solution Approach 1:
Different interface elements provide different levels of configuration detail based on the specific drive mode attribute. Critical safety parameters offer simplified binary choices, while performance parameters provide granular adjustment options. This localized differentiation maintains adaptability without uniformly increasing interface complexity across all functions
Solution Approach 2:
The interface elements are designed to handle multiple drive mode attributes through a unified interaction paradigm. A single interface framework manages diverse parameters (suspension, steering, powertrain) using consistent controls, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity
3Ease of operation
If multiple interface elements for attribute adjustment are added, then the ease of operation improves, but the loss of time increases due to more interaction steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures drive mode parameters based on detected driving conditions, vehicle state, and trailer presence. When a drive mode is selected, relevant interface elements are pre-populated with context-appropriate values, allowing drivers to make quick adjustments without navigating through empty or irrelevant configuration options, thus improving ease of operation without increasing interaction time
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.