Electric Vehicle Mode Switch with Stopper for Creep Speed Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle control systems require complex switching operations for advancing and backing up, particularly during parking, which can be intricate and prone to unintended mode changes.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a mode switch that allows selection between normal and backing up modes, featuring a return spring mechanism for automatic resetting and stopper means to prevent unintended mode changes, enabling smooth operation with a single operating member and clear distinction between modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single backing up switch is used for both mode setting and motor rotation control, then the number of switches is reduced, but the operation becomes intricate and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The single backing up switch is segmented into functionally distinct regions: a first switch region for mode setting (normal mode/backing up mode) and a second switch region for motor rotation control. This segmentation allows each region to handle specific functions independently, reducing operational confusion while maintaining a compact single-switch design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the switch are assigned different functional qualities: the first switch region responds to long-press operations for mode setting, while the second switch region responds to short-press operations for immediate motor control. This local differentiation of switch characteristics enables intuitive, context-appropriate operations without requiring multiple separate switches.
2Ease of operation
If different operating members are used for advance and backing up modes, then clear mode distinction is achieved, but the number of switches increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple switch functions (mode setting and motor control) are merged into a single backing up switch with distinct operational regions. The controller intelligently distinguishes between mode-setting operations (long press in first region) and motor-control operations (short press in second region), achieving clear mode differentiation without multiplying the number of physical switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The single backing up switch serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mode-setting switch and a motor-control switch. By implementing region-based differentiation and timing-based operation recognition, the switch achieves multi-functionality while maintaining operational clarity between advance and backing up modes.
3Productivity
If mode switching is simplified for repeated advance and backing up operations, then operational efficiency improves, but unintended mode changes may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification before executing mode changes: it checks whether the vehicle is in a stop state (vehicle speed ≤ threshold and brake operation detected) before allowing mode switching. This preliminary check prevents unintended mode changes during vehicle motion while maintaining efficient operation when conditions are appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The mode setting operation requires feedback confirmation: the controller detects long-press duration of the first switch region, verifies the vehicle is in stop state, and only then executes the mode change. This feedback-based verification ensures intentional mode changes while preventing accidental switching, balancing operational efficiency with reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies the operation of electric vehicles by allowing easy switching between normal and backing up modes with reduced complexity, preventing unintended mode changes and ensuring safe, controlled speed operations, including creep speed control for backing up and advancing.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring which is configured so that the return spring can be displaced among each switched position of the normal mode, the backing up mode and the stop and which automatically returns the mode switch (49) to a stop position set in an intermediate part of switched positions of the normal mode and the backing up mode in a free state in which no operating external force is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for a creep speed advance and creep speed backing up of an electric vehicle. A mode switch provided with an operating section can be operated in a longitudinal direction and can be operated leftward from an intermediate part. The operating section is automatically returned to a stop position in which a speed zero instruction is output to a motor when not being operated by return springs. When the operating section is pushed forward, a creep speed advance mode can be selected and when the operating section is pulled backward, a creep speed backing up mode can be selected. To clearly discriminate a position of the operating section among the creep speed advance mode, the creep speed backing up mode and a normal mode, a stopper is arranged between the stop position and the normal mode so that larger force is required to operate the operating section.