EV Mode Transition Feedback Using Virtual Engine Speed Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of battery electric vehicles often find it difficult to perceive the transition from motor travel mode to variable-speed travel mode, which simulates engine vehicle torque behavior.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a controller that varies the speed indication on a display and outputs audio cues to simulate engine startup and operation, enhancing the perception of mode transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the motor travel mode transitions to variable-speed travel mode without additional indication, then the travel mode can be switched, but the driver cannot perceive the mode transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of engine speed indication on the display device, showing a speed value that corresponds to the motor speed converted through simulated transmission gear ratios. This virtual engine speed copy allows the driver to perceive mode transition through familiar engine vehicle indicators without adding physical engine components.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed indication display acts as an intermediary between the actual motor speed and the driver's perception. By converting motor speed into a virtual engine speed representation and displaying it, the system mediates the information gap between the electric motor's operation and the driver's expected feedback from an engine vehicle.
2Ease of operation
If the speed indication is varied during mode transition to simulate engine startup, then the driver's perception and feeling of exaltation are enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the indicated speed value during mode transition based on the actual motor speed changes. When transitioning from motor travel mode to variable-speed travel mode, the controller varies the indicated speed to simulate engine startup behavior, creating a dynamic feedback experience that enhances driver perception and feeling of exaltation.
3Loss of information
If a speed indication display is added to indicate mode transition, then the driver can perceive the transition, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The speed indication display serves multiple functions: it shows the virtual engine speed during variable-speed travel mode, indicates mode transition through speed variation, and provides familiar feedback to the driver. By making the display multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate indication devices while still achieving effective mode transition communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery electric vehicle includes: a motor; a mode selection device that selects, by an operation of a driver, one travel mode from a plurality of travel modes including a motor travel mode and a variable-speed travel mode; a controller that controls the motor such that the battery electric vehicle travels in the travel mode selected by the mode selection device; and a speed indication display that indicates a speed of an engine in an engine vehicle of which torque behavior is simulated in the variable-speed travel mode. The controller is configured to vary the speed of the engine indicated on the speed indication display when the travel mode transitions from the motor travel mode to the variable-speed travel mode.