Engine Idling Stop Control with Variable Restart Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic control apparatuses for engines have poor start response due to fixed time requirements for idling start after engine stop, which can lead to delayed vehicle startup when drivers intend immediate start or have varying shift lever operation speeds.
Innovation Solution
An automatic control apparatus that includes an operation position detection portion, idling stop control portion, start intention determination portion, and time variation portion to adjust the predetermined time for idling start based on driver intention and shift lever operation speed, allowing for immediate engine restart when the driver intends to start the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed predetermined time is required for the operation position to be maintained at the second specific range before engine restart, then the engine can be restarted reliably according to driver intention, but the start response becomes poor when drivers have varying operation speeds or intend immediate start
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the predetermined time variable rather than fixed. The control device adjusts the predetermined time based on detected driver intention and shift lever operation speed, allowing the system to adapt to different driving scenarios. When immediate start is intended, the time is shortened; when normal operation is detected, the standard time is maintained, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and response speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of predetermined time based on detected conditions. By monitoring shift lever operation speed and driver intention, the system modifies the time parameter dynamically - shortening it when rapid start is needed and maintaining it at standard levels when normal operation is detected, thereby balancing reliability with responsive startup performance.
2Speed
If the predetermined time for idling start is shortened to improve start response, then the vehicle can start more quickly according to driver intention, but the engine may be mistakenly restarted when the shift lever merely passes through the second specific range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by continuously monitoring shift lever operation speed and comparing it against threshold values to determine driver intention. The system uses this feedback to adjust the predetermined time accordingly - when operation speed indicates intentional shifting, the time is shortened; when it indicates mere passage through the range, the time is maintained longer, thus preventing mistaken restarts while enabling quick starts when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting shift lever operation characteristics before the predetermined time expires. By monitoring operation speed and driver intention in advance, the system can proactively adjust the predetermined time to appropriate levels, preventing both mistaken restarts and delayed responses before the actual restart decision is made.
3Device complexity
If a fixed predetermined time is used for idling start, then the control logic is simple, but it cannot adapt to different driver behaviors and operation speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the control device to automatically detect driver intention and shift lever operation characteristics, then autonomously adjust the predetermined time without requiring complex external intervention or manual configuration. The system serves itself by using its own sensors and processors to adapt to different driving scenarios, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic control apparatus for an engine detects an operation position of a mechanical shift lever for shifting gears of a transmission, automatically stops the engine when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the case where the operation position is at a first specific range, and automatically restarts the engine in the case where, after the operation position is switched from the first specific range to a second specific range while the engine is stopped, the second specific range is maintained for a predetermined time. When the operation position is switched from the first specific range to the second specific range while the engine is stopped, it is determined whether or not the driver has an intention to start the vehicle, and if YES, the predetermined time is set to be shorter than when it is determined that there is no intention to start the vehicle.