Hybrid Drive Charge State Display Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display systems for hybrid vehicles without external charging capabilities provide limited information on the state of charge, making it less informative for drivers, especially for plug-in hybrids where the battery level can remain low over the vehicle's lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A user interface that allows drivers to select between charge-consuming and charge-retaining modes, with a graphical display showing the state of charge in different value ranges depending on the operational mode, enhancing visibility and emulating the driving experience of hybrid electric vehicles by adjusting the display area and scale divisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional display device displays the state of charge in relation to a maximum state of charge, then the display is simple and easy to understand, but it is not informative for plug-in hybrids where the battery level can remain low over the vehicle's service life
Solution Approach 1:
The display system dynamically adapts its presentation based on the hybrid drive's operational mode. In charge-retaining mode, the display shows the state of charge relative to the current operational range rather than maximum capacity, providing contextually relevant information that helps drivers understand actual available range without requiring complex additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reference parameter for state of charge display based on operational mode. Instead of always displaying relative to maximum state of charge, it adjusts the reference point to be relevant to the current mode (charge-retaining vs. charge-consuming), transforming how the same underlying data is presented to address the information gap
2Use of energy by moving object
If the hybrid drive is operated in charge-consuming mode with a lower target state of charge, then energy efficiency is improved, but the battery may reach low charge levels requiring external charging
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the display interface that shows drivers their current state of charge relative to the target state of charge for the assumed driving cycle. This allows drivers to monitor whether they are approaching the lower charge threshold and need to switch to charge-retaining mode or seek external charging, enabling proactive energy management
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows drivers to pre-select their preferred operational mode based on their charging infrastructure access and driving patterns. By establishing the target state of charge in advance based on the assumed driving cycle, the system proactively manages energy usage rather than reactively responding to low charge conditions
3Measurement precision
If the state of charge is displayed with a fixed scale from 0% to 100%, then the display is consistent and easy to interpret, but it does not provide adequate visibility when the battery operates within a narrow charge range
Solution Approach 1:
The display applies local quality by showing detailed state of charge information only in the relevant operational range. When operating in charge-retaining mode with a narrow charge range, the display provides enhanced precision and visibility for changes within that specific range, while maintaining overall interpretability through context-aware presentation
Data Source
AI summary
In connection with a user interface for a motor vehicle with a hybrid drive, a driver is able to select whether the hybrid drive is operated in an operating mode which consumes charge, or in an operating mode which retains charge. The user interface is configured to display the charge state of the energy store on a display, and to receive or calculate a charge state variable which is characteristic of the charge state. The charge state variable may be displayed with a first range of values in a first display area during operation of the hybrid drive in the charge-consuming operating mode. The charge state variable may be displayed with a second range of values, which is a subset of the first range of values, in a second display area during operation of the hybrid drive in the charge-retaining operating mode. The second display area is larger than a subrange of the first display area in which the second range of values is displayed.