EV Charge Limit Display with Segmented Color Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicles lack effective measures for drivers to easily recognize when the battery charge amount is set to a value less than full charge, leading to potential misuse or forgetfulness of charge limit settings, which can affect regenerative braking efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A charge amount display apparatus for electric vehicles featuring an input unit for setting a charge limit value and a display unit using a segment group to visually represent the charge amount, allowing drivers to easily set and recognize the charge limit value by inputting it based on the number of segments, thereby preventing overcharging and ensuring effective regenerative braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charge amount is set to a value less than full charge to improve regenerative braking efficiency, then the regenerative brake works more effectively, but the driver may fail to be aware that the limit value has been set
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit uses different colors to represent different charge amount ranges. When the charge amount is below the charge limit value, the display shows one color; when it reaches or exceeds the limit, the color changes to alert the driver. This visual feedback mechanism ensures the driver is aware of the charge limit setting while maintaining the improved regenerative braking efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit provides continuous visual feedback to the driver about the current charge amount relative to the set charge limit. By displaying the charge amount in a visually distinguishable manner (e.g., using segments or color codes), the system informs the driver of the charge limit status, preventing information loss while maintaining the benefit of limited charging for better regenerative braking.
2Productivity
If the driver sets the charge limit value a while ago, then the battery can be charged to the appropriate level, but the driver may forget setting the limit value
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the driver to set the charge limit value in advance before charging begins. The display unit then continuously shows the relationship between current charge amount and the pre-set limit, using visual indicators such as segmented displays or color-coded ranges. This preliminary setting combined with ongoing visual feedback ensures the driver remembers the charge limit was set while maintaining efficient charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The display uses color changes or visual segment illumination to indicate when the charge amount approaches or reaches the pre-set charge limit. This visual reminder system helps the driver recall the charge limit setting even if it was configured earlier, preventing information loss while preserving the charging efficiency benefit.
3Ease of operation
If a person other than the driver sets the charge limit value, then the charge amount can be controlled, but the driver may not be aware of the limit value setting
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit provides continuous visual feedback to the driver about the charge limit setting status and current charge amount. Even if someone else sets the charge limit value, the driver can see the charge limit indication on the display, ensuring awareness of the controlled charge amount while maintaining the ease of operation benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The display uses visual indicators such as color changes or illuminated segments to show the charge limit level set by any user. This visual information is always visible to the driver, ensuring awareness of the charge limit setting even when it was configured by someone else, while preserving the ease of charge amount control.
Data Source
AI summary
A charge amount display apparatus of an electric vehicle, which enables a driver to be easily aware that a charge amount has been set at a value less than a full charge, is provided. The charge amount display apparatus comprises a control unit 11 for setting a charge limit value which serves as the upper limit of the charge amount of a battery 2; and a display unit 13 for displaying a maximum charge amount, to which the battery 2 can be charged, and the charge limit value. The maximum charge amount is displayed by a segment group 30 composed of a plurality of segments 31 arranged side by side in one direction for representing the charge amount of the battery 2. The segments 31a for a value equal to or lower than the charge limit value, and the segments 31b for a value higher than the charge limit value are displayed in different colors. The segments for a charge amount equal to or lower than the charge limit value are displayed in a first region 21a of a first display region 21 of the display unit 13. A mark 32 indicating that the charge limit value has been set is displayed between the first region 21a and a second region 21b.