Automatic Engine Stop Coordinator for Vehicle Fuel Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current start-stop systems for vehicles rely on driver input for engine shutdown, leading to inefficient fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, as drivers often fail to manually switch off engines at stops, especially in urban traffic.
Innovation Solution
A start-stop device with a stop coordinator that automatically selects the most suitable shutdown behavior based on prevailing vehicle and environmental conditions, eliminating the need for driver input and optimizing shutdown comfort, restart time, and engine position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual switch-off by driver is used, then driver control is maintained, but fuel consumption and emissions increase due to driver inaction
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic engine switch-off without requiring driver action. The control device autonomously monitors switch-off conditions (vehicle standstill, brake pedal position, transmission state) and executes engine shutdown independently, allowing the system to serve itself rather than relying on driver initiative.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of the driver pressing the ignition switch is replaced by an electronic control system that automatically detects switch-off conditions through sensors (brake pedal position sensor, vehicle speed sensor, transmission state sensor) and triggers engine shutdown through electronic control signals.
2Loss of energy
If automatic switch-off is implemented, then fuel consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs multiple functions: it monitors various switch-off conditions (vehicle standstill detection, brake pedal position monitoring, transmission state checking), evaluates whether shutdown criteria are met, and executes the engine switch-off command. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate systems into a single integrated control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the evaluation of multiple switch-off conditions (vehicle standstill, brake pedal position, transmission state) and the execution of engine shutdown into a single integrated control process. The control device merges sensor inputs from various sources and coordinates the shutdown action, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Loss of energy
If engine shuts off immediately at standstill, then fuel savings are maximized, but restart comfort and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control device prepares for potential restart by monitoring switch-on conditions in advance (vehicle speed, brake pedal release, transmission state). When the engine is switched off, the system is already positioned to quickly restart if needed, as the conditions for restart are continuously monitored and ready to be executed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on real-time conditions. The engine can be switched off immediately when conditions permit, but the system remains flexible to restart at any moment based on dynamic monitoring of vehicle state, brake pedal position, and transmission gear, allowing optimal balance between fuel savings and restart readiness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If driver selection of switch-off behavior is required, then adaptability to driver preference is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device autonomously determines and executes the appropriate switch-off behavior without requiring driver input or selection. The system self-adjusts based on monitored conditions (vehicle standstill duration, brake pedal position, transmission state), eliminating the need for driver interaction while adapting to the specific driving situation.
Data Source
AI summary
A start-stop device initiates an automatic switch-off process of a driving machine in a motor vehicle. The start-stop device is designed to automatically switch off the driving machine when predefined switch-off conditions are met. The start-stop device has a stop coordinator which identifies a switch-off behavior suitable for the switch-off process on the basis of available information and ensures that the identified switch-off behavior is implemented when an automatic switch-off process is initiated.