EV Power Control Feedback for Range-Aware Driving

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of achieving optimum operational efficiency in electric vehicles is hindered by driving style and ambient and external environmental conditions, necessitating a system and method to enhance power usage and range.

Innovation Solution

A power control system for electric vehicles that includes a sensing module, processing unit, and interface, which estimates required power usage based on environmental and vehicle operational parameters, and outputs efficiency indications to drivers through various interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the driver operates the vehicle without power usage guidance, then the driving style is free and flexible, but the power usage efficiency deteriorates and range is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower usage efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback to the driver by displaying required power usage and efficiency indications on the interface. The processing unit continuously monitors environmental parameters and vehicle operational data, compares actual power usage with required power usage, and provides guidance feedback to help the driver improve power usage efficiency without significantly increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the driver to self-adjust driving behavior based on the provided efficiency indications. Rather than automatically controlling the vehicle, the system serves the driver with information and guidance, allowing the driver to make informed decisions about power usage while maintaining driving freedom and flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If the vehicle operates without environmental parameter consideration, then the system operation is simple, but the power usage efficiency deteriorates under varying environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower usage efficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The processing unit estimates the required power usage in advance by considering environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, road conditions) and vehicle operational data before the driver actually operates the vehicle. This preliminary estimation allows the system to provide accurate power usage guidance tailored to current environmental conditions, improving power efficiency without requiring complex real-time adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts to varying environmental conditions by continuously updating the required power usage estimation based on real-time environmental parameter changes. The interface updates efficiency indications dynamically to reflect current conditions, allowing the vehicle operation to be optimized for each specific environmental context

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If the system provides detailed power usage information, then the driver awareness of power consumption improves, but the information processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower usage information availabilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and displays only the most critical power usage information to the driver through the interface - specifically the required power usage and efficiency indications. Rather than presenting all available data, the system selectively extracts the essential information needed for driver awareness, reducing processing complexity while maintaining effective communication of power consumption status

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4631763A1System and method of controlling power of an electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • EP4631763A1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4631763A1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4631763A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a system and a method of controlling power of an electric vehicle. The system includes an interface, a sensing module, and a processing unit. The processing unit is communicatively coupled to the sensing module and the interface. The processing unit is configured to receive a value of at least one preset variable from the sensing module to estimate required power usage of the electric vehicle and output at least one efficiency indication through the interface for enhancing the efficiency and the range of the electric vehicle.