Hybrid Vehicle Charging Guide Control for Low External Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid vehicles face challenges in effectively promoting the use of external charging, particularly for drivers who engage in low-power travel, as the current methods of limiting electric motor or internal combustion engine output are insufficient in encouraging external charging.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid vehicle system that includes an electronic control unit to execute a charging guide control, promoting external charging during parking at designated charging points by displaying information, providing audio cues, and automatically preparing the charging inlet when the use index is low, thereby encouraging drivers to utilize external charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If output of electric motor or internal combustion engine is limited, then driver is urged to carry out external charging, but the effect is insufficient for drivers who always drive with relatively low power
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates a use index based on accelerator pedal operations and provides feedback to the driver through display messages and audio outputs when the index indicates low external charging usage, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that adapts to driver behavior patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a use index as an intermediary metric that translates complex driving behavior patterns into a simple indicator for determining when to provide charging promotion messages, serving as a mediator between raw sensor data and user-facing notifications
2Productivity
If charging guide control is executed to promote external charging, then use of external charging increases, but may cause inconvenience when external charging is unnecessary or not performable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the charging promotion control based on real-time conditions including use index thresholds, vehicle state, and external charging availability, allowing the control strategy to adapt flexibly to changing circumstances rather than applying fixed rules
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines whether external charging is necessary or performable by monitoring vehicle state and charging infrastructure availability, and self-adjusts the promotion control accordingly without requiring manual driver input or intervention
3Ease of operation
If multiple promotion methods are used (display, audio, automatic lid opening), then external charging promotion effectiveness increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements promotion methods selectively based on the calculated use index and current vehicle state, applying only the necessary level of promotion intensity rather than continuously applying all available promotion methods, thereby reducing unnecessary system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit serves multiple functions by calculating the use index, determining promotion necessity, selecting appropriate promotion methods, and coordinating various system components (display, audio, charging lid) through a single centralized control logic
Data Source
AI summary
When a use index indicative of a degree of use of external charging is less than a threshold, an electronic control unit determines that the degree of use of external charging is low, and executes a charging guide control to promote the use of external charging at the time of parking at a battery charging point, such as at home or in a battery charging station, where the external charging is performable. Hereby, it is possible to promote a driver to use external charging at the time of parking at the battery charging point. As a result, the use of external charging can be promoted.