Gearbox Control System Driver Override for Queue Conditions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic gear choice systems in heavy vehicles can lead to driver irritation in certain situations, particularly when the system chooses a gear that is not preferred by the driver, such as during queuing, where a lower gear is desired to maintain engine idling without acceleration or braking.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows the vehicle's driver to influence the initial transmission ratio by setting it to a lower gear than what the control system would automatically choose, ensuring the vehicle starts in a gear preferred by the driver, which can be done using the control system to determine the driver's indicated gear choice and overriding the automatic choice if it is lower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the control system automatically chooses the initial transmission ratio, then fuel consumption is optimized, but driver satisfaction deteriorates in certain situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the gear selection strategy based on driving conditions. The control system monitors parameters such as vehicle speed, acceleration demands, and queue detection to automatically select between fuel-optimal gear choices and driver-preferred lower gears, making the system adaptable rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring driver behavior patterns, vehicle operating conditions, and queue situations. This feedback allows the control system to learn and adapt to driver preferences while maintaining fuel efficiency in non-queue conditions, resolving the contradiction between automated optimization and driver satisfaction
2Use of energy by moving object
If the control system chooses a higher initial gear for fuel efficiency, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the vehicle may not respond adequately to acceleration demands
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary assessment of acceleration demands before gear selection. By detecting queue conditions and anticipated acceleration needs in advance, the system can pre-select an appropriate lower gear that ensures adequate acceleration response while minimizing fuel consumption impact, rather than reacting after the fact
3Ease of operation
If the gearbox is set to a lower gear during queuing, then driver comfort is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic evaluation of queue conditions and gear selection opportunities. Rather than maintaining a lower gear continuously, the control system activates lower gear selection only during detected queue periods with stationary or slow-moving traffic, then transitions back to fuel-optimal gear selection when queues clear, creating a periodic on/off pattern that balances comfort and fuel efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A method for control of a vehicle gearbox which is automatically controlled by a control system. The control system's choice of transmission ratio is influenceable by the vehicle's driver. The control system chooses an initial transmission ratio for moving off stationary. The method includes determining a first initial transmission ratio by using the control system, and determining a second initial transmission ratio indicated by the vehicle driver. The gearbox is set to the second initial transmission ratio indicated by the driver when the second ratio is higher than the first initial transmission ratio determined by the control system.