EV Activation Sequence With Visual State Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles are quieter than internal combustion engine vehicles, making it less perceivable when they are starting, which can lead to confusion for operators.
Innovation Solution
A method for activating an electric vehicle that involves receiving an operator input to transition the vehicle from an inactive state to a wake state, and then to a ready state, with visual indications provided to indicate the vehicle's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electric vehicles are designed to be quiet, then energy efficiency and comfort are improved, but operator awareness of vehicle state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes through visual indicators (such as LED lights or display elements) that change color or illuminate to indicate different vehicle states (e.g., ready, charging, error conditions). This provides clear visual feedback to operators without requiring audible signals, thus maintaining quiet operation while improving operator awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual indicators as an intermediary communication channel between the vehicle system and the operator. These indicators serve as a mediator that conveys vehicle state information without requiring the vehicle to produce noise, thus resolving the contradiction between quiet operation and operator awareness.
2Ease of operation
If traditional ignition switches are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but safety and control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vehicle activation process into multiple distinct steps (e.g., turning the ignition switch to different positions, pressing sequential buttons, or multi-stage confirmation processes). This segmentation provides clearer control over vehicle activation while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive staged interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions before full vehicle activation, such as requiring the operator to complete certain steps or confirmations before the vehicle becomes operational. This ensures safety and control are maintained while preserving ease of operation through a structured, predictable process.
3Loss of information
If visual indicators are added to indicate vehicle state, then operator awareness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual indicators that serve multiple functions simultaneously - indicating vehicle state, providing feedback on operator actions, and communicating system status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate indicator systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving operator awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the visual indicator functionality with existing vehicle components or integrates multiple indicator functions into a single display system. This consolidation provides comprehensive state information while minimizing the additional complexity introduced by the indicator system.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for activating electric vehicles are provided. One method includes, in response to a first command to activate the vehicle, transitioning the vehicle from an inactive state to a wake state where a controller of the vehicle is activated and the vehicle is prevented from being propelled by an electric motor of the vehicle. The method also includes, in response to receiving a second command to activate the vehicle after receiving the first command, transitioning the vehicle from the wake state to a ready state where the vehicle is permitted to be propelled by the electric motor.