Engine Auto-Shutoff System with User Override Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a motor vehicle system that can detect if the engine has been unintentionally left running, notify the user, and allow them to decide whether to shut it off or keep it running, addressing issues of fuel waste and potential exhaust accumulation while accommodating situations where the engine needs to remain on for temperature control or safety.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle is equipped with sensors to determine if the engine is errantly running, a notification system to alert the user, and a controller that can automatically stop the engine if no response is received within a set time, allowing users to respond via a linked device to instruct the engine to remain on or off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the engine is automatically shut off when left running, then fuel waste is reduced and exhaust accumulation is prevented, but the ability to maintain engine operation for temperature control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors engine operation status through sensors and provides feedback to the controller. When the engine is detected to be running while the vehicle is parked, the controller sends notifications to the user's mobile device. Based on user responses or lack thereof, the system adjusts engine operation - shutting it off to prevent fuel waste or allowing it to continue for temperature control, thus resolving the contradiction between energy conservation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and detection of engine running status before automatic shutdown is activated. By detecting the anomaly of engine running during parking and notifying the user in advance, the system allows users to make informed decisions about whether to maintain engine operation for temperature control or allow shutdown to prevent fuel waste, thereby balancing both requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the engine is automatically shut off when left running, then safety is improved by preventing exhaust accumulation, but user convenience is reduced by removing manual control
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors engine status, detects when the engine is left running during parking, and manages the shutdown process without requiring continuous user intervention. The controller autonomously evaluates sensor data, sends notifications, and executes shutdown commands based on predetermined conditions or user responses, thereby maintaining safety while minimizing the burden on users and preserving their control through responsive interaction options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users through mobile device notifications when engine running anomalies are detected. Users can respond to these notifications to maintain or terminate engine operation, ensuring they retain control while benefiting from automated monitoring that prevents harmful exhaust accumulation. This feedback loop balances safety automation with user convenience and control.
3Reliability
If sensors and notification systems are added to detect and alert about engine status, then engine misoperation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a controller that performs multiple functions: monitoring engine running status through sensors, determining whether the vehicle is in active use based on various parameters, communicating with mobile devices, and controlling the engine kill device. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system achieves high reliability in preventing engine misoperation while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the notification system, sensor evaluation logic, and engine control functions into an integrated system managed by a single controller. Rather than adding separate independent systems for each function, the controller merges these elements into a unified architecture, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive reliability in detecting and responding to engine misoperation.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle has an engine kill device that can automatically stop the engine. The vehicle has components for determining the engine may have been errantly left running, in which case the vehicle sends a notice to the user. The vehicle is capable of receiving a response from the user with instructions to leave the engine running. If no response is received, the vehicle can activate the engine kill device and stop the engine, or the vehicle can leave the engine running if a response is received from the user indicating the engine should remain running.