Hybrid Vehicle Driver Demand Display with Dynamic Target Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) face challenges in achieving desired fuel economy due to inadequate information on when to modify their driving habits to keep the engine off, as existing gauges provide non-timely information, and there is a need for an information display that indicates the relationship between driver demand and engine-on events to facilitate economical driving choices.
Innovation Solution
An information display system that indicates a relative driver demand and its relationship to an engine-on event, using a dynamic target range on a visual display, allowing drivers to see how changing their demand for power or torque affects engine operation, with movable boundaries based on vehicle conditions, and providing information on when friction braking is engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If existing gauges and displays indicate engine on/off status, then drivers receive information about vehicle operation, but the information is not timely enough for drivers to modify their driving habits to keep the engine off
Solution Approach 1:
The display shows a target range for driver demand that, when exceeded, will cause the engine to start. This preliminary information allows drivers to adjust their demand before the engine actually starts, rather than receiving feedback after the fact. The visual indicator proactively guides drivers to keep their demand within the target range to prevent engine startup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous visual feedback by displaying the target range and the driver's current demand level relative to that range. This real-time feedback loop enables drivers to see the direct relationship between their demand and engine operation, allowing them to modify behavior to maintain engine-off conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the target range for demanded power is adjusted upward when the electric power source can provide more power, then the vehicle can operate in electric mode at higher power levels, but the display complexity increases with dynamic range adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The target range is made dynamic rather than fixed. It automatically adjusts based on the electric power source's capability to provide power. When the battery or capacitor can supply more power, the target range expands upward, allowing the motor to handle higher demand levels while keeping the engine off. This dynamic adaptation simplifies the overall system by using existing vehicle data to drive the display behavior.
3Loss of energy
If the engine is kept off to improve fuel economy, then fuel consumption decreases, but the driver loses access to engine power when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares the driver by showing the target range before engine shutdown occurs. Drivers learn to anticipate the engine start threshold and adjust their demand accordingly, maintaining comfort and performance needs while staying within the electric mode capability envelope.
Data Source
AI summary
An information display for a vehicle includes an indicator arrangement having a visual display configured to provide driver demand information to a vehicle driver. The visual display includes a dynamic target range for operating the vehicle, which includes a first boundary and a second boundary indicating a driver demand that would cause the engine to start. A control system includes at least one controller, and is configured to receive at least one input related to current operating conditions of the vehicle and to provide at least one output to the indicator arrangement to position the target range on the visual display and to indicate to the driver a current level of driver demand. In this way, the visual display indicates to the driver the current level of driver demand relative to the position of the target range.