Hybrid Vehicle Charging-Use Feedback for External Charge Adoption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid vehicles may not sufficiently encourage drivers to utilize external charging, particularly for those who consistently operate with low power, leading to insufficient promotion of environmental benefits.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid vehicle equipped with a notification mechanism that visually indicates the degree of external charging usage through color changes, displays, or shape modifications, allowing external systems to provide preferential treatment or penalties based on a calculated use index, thereby encouraging more frequent use of external charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If output limitation of electric motor or internal combustion engine is implemented, then charging promotion effect is obtained, but the effect is insufficient for drivers who always drive with low power
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates a use index based on charging behavior and provides visual feedback through external notifications (display devices, lights, or sounds) to inform drivers of their charging status. This feedback mechanism motivates drivers to improve their charging habits without restricting vehicle operation, effectively addressing low-power drivers who were previously unaffected by output limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification mechanism utilizes color changes in external display devices or vehicle lights to indicate different levels of charging usage. For example, green may indicate good charging behavior while red indicates insufficient charging, providing intuitive visual feedback that encourages drivers to charge more frequently without impacting their driving experience.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If external charging usage is increased, then environmental load is reduced, but driver motivation for charging is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By providing external visual feedback about charging behavior through display devices or vehicle exterior lights, the system creates social awareness and personal motivation for drivers to increase charging usage. The use index notification transforms abstract environmental benefits into tangible, recognizable feedback that drivers can understand and act upon.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of driver motivation by introducing external visual notifications that transform internal charging behavior into externally visible information. This parameter change from invisible operation to visible feedback effectively increases charging usage rates by appealing to driver psychology and social behavior.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hybrid vehicle (20, 220) includes an engine (22), a fuel tank (25), a motor (MG2, MG), a battery (50), a charger (60), and a notification mechanism. The battery (50) is configured to supply electric power to the motor. The charger (60) is configured to carry out external charging that charges the battery (50) by use of electric power from an external power source (69). The notification mechanism is configured to notify, to an outside of the vehicle, information on a use index indicative of a degree of use of external charging in a predetermined time period.