Hybrid Vehicle Display Device Mode Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid vehicle drivers face difficulty in understanding the traveling state due to a changing dividing line between electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid vehicle (HV) modes, leading to unexpected engine start-ups and mode shifts.

Innovation Solution

A display device with distinct areas indicating EV and HV modes, featuring a first area with a changing display portion for both modes, a second area with a needle-like display portion for the HV mode, and a third area indicating the engine start possibility, enhancing visibility and clarity of the vehicle's state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a dividing line is used to indicate mode switching in a single display area, then the display structure is simple, but the driver cannot easily judge the traveling state and unexpected engine start-ups occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay structureVSAvoidtraveling state information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is divided into multiple distinct display areas: a first display area for EV mode information and a second display area for HV mode information. This segmentation allows the driver to clearly distinguish between different traveling modes without confusion from a moving dividing line, thereby improving information clarity while maintaining relatively simple display structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single display area with a moving dividing line is used, then the display device is simple, but the driver's ability to grasp vehicle state is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay device structureVSAvoiddriver's understanding of vehicle state

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display device separates EV mode indication and HV mode indication into different display areas. The first display area shows information specific to EV mode (motor output, battery state), while the second display area shows information specific to HV mode (engine output, total output). This segmentation makes it easier for the driver to understand the current vehicle state without the confusion of a moving dividing line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If mode indication uses a changing dividing line, then the display can adapt to different vehicle states, but the driver cannot predict when engine start-up will occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay adaptation to vehicle stateVSAvoidpredictability of engine start-up

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display device uses separate display areas that are activated based on the current mode, providing clear and predictable information. When in EV mode, only the first display area is active showing EV-specific information. When switching to HV mode, the second display area becomes active showing HV-specific information. This segmented approach maintains adaptability to different vehicle states while improving predictability, as the driver can clearly see which mode is active and what information is relevant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If distinct display areas for EV and HV modes are used, then the driver can easily distinguish modes, but the display device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode distinction clarityVSAvoiddisplay device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is segmented into a first display area and a second display area, each dedicated to specific mode information. This segmentation achieves clear mode distinction for the driver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display device uses a unified control system that manages both display areas and handles mode transitions automatically. The control unit determines the current mode and activates the appropriate display area, providing multi-functionality in a unified structure that balances complexity with clarity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11472425B2Display device for hybrid vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORP

AI summary

A display device for displaying at least one of outputs related to traveling of a hybrid vehicle includes a first area that indicates a first output in a first mode and indicates a second output in a second mode, a second area provided side by side with the first area and that indicates a third output in the second mode, and a third area provided in a position adjacent to the second area, and that indicates a range of the first output where a possibility that the internal combustion engine starts is high. The first area has a first display portion that changes according to the first output in the first mode and the second output in the second mode. The second area has a second display portion that changes according to the third output in the second mode.