Vehicle Driving Force Controller with Mode Select Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle driving force control systems require continuous and fine adjustments of the accelerator pedal for high-performance engines, leading to driver nervousness and potential insufficient power during high-speed running or uphill driving, and incorrect mode selection can cause sudden increases in driving force, compromising safety.

Innovation Solution

A driving force control unit with a multiple switch system that allows selection of different driving modes, including normal, suppressed, and emphasized driving force characteristics, using a shuttle switch and push switches to prevent sudden power increases and enhance usability and safety by referencing accelerator opening and engine speed for setting driving force indication values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a high-performance engine with maximum acceleration capability is used, then acceleration performance is improved, but the driver must continuously and finely adjust the accelerator pedal, increasing control nervousness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacceleration performanceVSAvoidaccelerator pedal control
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by providing multiple driving mode maps (first through fourth maps) with different acceleration characteristics. The driver can select from normal mode, sport mode, and other predefined modes, each with distinct throttle response curves and power delivery characteristics. This allows the driver to choose a mode that matches their skill level and driving conditions, transforming the single-parameter accelerator control into a multi-parameter system that includes mode selection, thereby reducing control nervousness while maintaining acceleration performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the accelerator pedal operation is not finely adjusted, then operation simplicity is improved, but sufficient acceleration cannot be obtained during high-speed running or uphill driving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccelerator pedal operationVSAvoidacceleration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by providing multiple driving mode maps that can be dynamically selected based on driver preference and conditions. Each map represents a different dynamic characteristic: normal mode for fuel efficiency, sport mode for maximum acceleration, and intermediate modes for balanced performance. The ability to switch between these dynamic characteristics allows the driver to obtain sufficient acceleration during high-speed running or uphill driving without requiring fine accelerator adjustments, as the selected mode automatically provides the appropriate power delivery curve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a push switch type mode select switch is used, then mode selection is simplified, but incorrect operation can cause sudden increase in driving force, compromising safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode selectionVSAvoidsafety against incorrect operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a mode selection mechanism that prevents sudden, unsafe transitions in driving force. The system includes multiple driving mode maps with progressively different characteristics, and the selection process is designed to avoid abrupt changes that could startle or endanger the driver. The control unit carefully manages the transition between modes, ensuring that even if an incorrect mode is selected, the driving force increases gradually rather than suddenly, thereby cushioning against potential safety issues from incorrect operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS7424361B2Driving force controller for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2008.09.09 SUBARU CORP
  • US7424361B2 patent drawing
  • US7424361B2 patent drawing
  • US7424361B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The driving force control unit for vehicle comprises a driving condition detecting unit for detecting the vehicle driving condition, a selector for selecting one of driving modes by manipulation, the driving modes including a first mode having a driving force characteristic suitable for normal driving and a second mode having a suppressed driving force, and driving force setting unit for setting a driving force indication value based on the selected mode and the vehicle driving conditions. The selector being formed by a multiple switch having a push switch which turns to ON state when a pressing force direction manipulation is applied, and other switch which turns to ON state when manipulation other than the pressing force direction is applied, the second mode is selected by the ON manipulation of the push switch.