Vehicle Engine Control via Brake and Gear Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle engine control systems are cumbersome, prone to damage, and lack safety mechanisms for frequent operation, and vehicles often fail to display their location in low ambient luminance environments, leading to safety issues and energy wastage.

Innovation Solution

A control method and device that uses integrated electrical signals from vehicle controlling equipment, such as brakes and gear shifts, to simplify and secure engine starting and stopping, and incorporates an environment illuminance sensor to automatically activate position lamps in low light conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a key switch is used to start or stop the engine, then the engine can be controlled, but the key switch is easily damaged if operated frequently and the operation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of engine start/stop operationVSAvoidkey switch durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key switch with an electronic control system that uses a button switch integrated with the ignition system. This electronic system allows frequent engine start/stop operations without the mechanical wear and damage issues associated with traditional key switches, while maintaining reliable control through electronic circuitry and control units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a simple press type button switch is added to start or stop the engine, then operation is simplified, but security mechanisms are lacking to prevent unwanted touch or press

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of engine start/stop operationVSAvoidoperational safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary safety verification by requiring the vehicle to be in a specific state (e.g., clutch engaged, brake applied, or gear in neutral) before the button switch can successfully start or stop the engine. The control unit checks these conditions beforehand, preventing unintended engine operation while maintaining simple button-press functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from various sensors (clutch position, brake status, gear selection) to control the button switch functionality. The control unit continuously monitors these conditions and only allows engine start/stop operations when appropriate safety conditions are met, providing operational safety without complicating the user interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the engine is shut off during idling to reduce emissions, then environmental protection is improved, but vehicle visibility in low ambient luminance is compromised when position lamps are not activated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemissions reductionVSAvoidvehicle visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the engine control system with the lighting control system through an integrated control unit. When the engine is automatically shut off during idling, the control unit simultaneously activates the position lamps to maintain vehicle visibility. This combination allows emissions reduction while compensating for the loss of ambient light from the running engine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the harmful effect of engine idling (emissions) into a beneficial outcome by automatically activating position lamps during engine-off idling periods. The control unit detects when the engine is shut off and triggers the lighting system to compensate for the reduced ambient illumination, turning an environmental benefit into a safety feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Extent of automation

If conventional sensor-based automatic engine stop/start systems are used, then engine control is automated, but the system is complicated and costly and unable to fully adapt to various traffic conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic engine controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the button switch serve multiple functions: it acts as both the engine start/stop control and integrates with the lighting control system. The same button and control unit manage both engine operations and position lamp activation, eliminating the need for separate complex sensor systems while providing automated control that adapts to various traffic conditions through simple programmable logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10323584B2Method of controlling an engine of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 CHANG FU LING

AI summary

A simple and effective control method is disclosed for starting and stopping a vehicle's engine and automatic lighting of position lamps to show the vehicle's location. The method uses brake and gear shift lever of the vehicle to generate selection signals, and a button switch can be pressed to stop or start the engine of the vehicle according to the selection signals, which can provide vehicle drivers a simple and secure way to control their vehicles while waiting at a stoplight.