Electric Vehicle Reserve Charge Notification Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charge state notifications for electrified vehicle traction batteries may inaccurately indicate a state of zero charge when there is still a reserve amount of energy available, potentially leading to the vehicle being stranded before recharging can occur.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adjusting the reserve range for the traction battery's state of charge notification, allowing the vehicle to communicate a zero charge state when the actual state falls within a specific reserve range, which can be increased or decreased based on external communications or user settings, ensuring the vehicle has sufficient power to reach a charging station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charge state notification indicates zero percent when the actual state of charge is depleted to a first amount, then the user is prompted to recharge the battery, but the vehicle may become stranded before reaching a charging station
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by establishing a reserve range buffer between the actual state of charge depletion and the zero percent notification threshold. When the actual state of charge falls within this reserve range, the notification system displays zero percent to prompt users to recharge, while the vehicle maintains sufficient charge to reach a charging station. This cushioning mechanism prevents the vehicle from becoming stranded by ensuring adequate reserve power remains available even when the notification indicates full depletion.
2Reliability
If the reserve range is increased to prevent the vehicle from being stranded, then vehicle mobility is improved, but the state of charge notification becomes less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary approach by introducing the reserve range as a buffer zone between the actual state of charge and the notification threshold. This intermediary layer allows the system to maintain accurate tracking of the actual state of charge while simultaneously providing a cushion that ensures the vehicle can reach a charging station. The reserve range acts as a mediator that reconciles the conflict between providing accurate charge information and ensuring reliable vehicle mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the reserve range based on various factors such as vehicle usage patterns, driving conditions, and user preferences. The controller can modify the size of the reserve range to optimize the balance between notification accuracy and vehicle mobility. This parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to different scenarios, maintaining reliable mobility while minimizing information loss about the actual charge state.
3Loss of time
If the charge state notification displays zero percent at an earlier depletion point, then the user has more time to recharge, but the displayed charge state does not correspond to the actual charge state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by triggering the zero percent notification when the actual state of charge enters the reserve range, which occurs before the battery is fully depleted. This advance notification gives users sufficient time to locate and reach a charging station without the vehicle actually running out of power. The system performs the notification action in advance, allowing users to prepare for recharging while the vehicle maintains operational capability through the reserve charge buffer.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrified vehicle state of charge communication method includes, among other things, communicating a charge state notification when an actual state of charge of a traction battery is depleted such that the actual state of charge falls within a first reserve range. The method further includes adjusting the first reserve range to provide a second reserve range different than the first reserve range, and, after the adjusting, communicating the charge state notification when the actual state of charge is depleted such that the actual state of charge falls within the second reserve range.