Hybrid Energy Flow Display Symmetrical Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy flow displays in hybrid vehicles are complex and distracting, making it difficult for drivers to intuitively understand the current operating states, which can lead to increased driver distraction and longer familiarization periods.
Innovation Solution
A display device showing energy transmission paths in a symmetrical arrangement using transparent energy hoses with animated arrows to represent energy flow direction and intensity, employing different colors to differentiate operating states and modes, and hiding arrows once they reach the energy sink for a harmonious display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If detailed information about energy flows is displayed simultaneously, then the driver receives comprehensive information about operating states, but the driver becomes distracted from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The energy flow display is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: a simplified overview mode showing only essential information (reducing distraction), and detailed modes accessible upon driver request. The display divides energy flow information into separate categories (electric motor, combustion engine, energy storage, recuperation) that can be shown individually or collectively based on driving context.
Solution Approach 2:
The display dynamically adapts its information density based on driving conditions and driver interaction. During normal driving, only critical energy flow states are shown. The system transitions to more detailed displays when the vehicle is stationary or when the driver actively requests additional information through interface interactions, thereby balancing information completeness with safety.
2Area of stationary object
If nested arrangement of components is used to save space, then the display fits in limited dashboard area, but clarity is impaired requiring longer familiarization
Solution Approach 1:
The display uses asymmetric spatial arrangement where energy storage components are positioned centrally as reference points, while energy sources (combustion engine, electric motor) and energy sinks (wheels, grid) are arranged asymmetrically around them. This asymmetric layout creates clear visual hierarchies and directional energy flow paths that are more intuitive than symmetric nested arrangements, improving interpretability without significantly increasing display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-dimensional display techniques including hierarchical layering (overview layer, detail layer), spatial depth (foreground energy sources, background energy sinks), and temporal animation (energy flow progression). These dimensional additions allow complex energy flow relationships to be represented clearly within a compact two-dimensional dashboard display area.
3Loss of information
If multiple energy flow indicators are displayed simultaneously, then comprehensive energy flow information is provided, but the display becomes complex and distracting
Solution Approach 1:
The display updates energy flow indicators periodically rather than continuously, synchronized with changes in vehicle operating states. Energy flow animations are activated only when relevant transitions occur (e.g., switching between electric and hybrid mode, entering recuperation), reducing visual complexity during steady-state operation while maintaining complete energy flow information when changes occur.
Solution Approach 2:
Different energy flow types are represented using distinct color codes (electric energy in blue, thermal energy in orange, mechanical energy in green). This color-coding system allows multiple energy flows to be displayed simultaneously with reduced visual complexity, as drivers can quickly distinguish between different energy types and directions without confusion from uniform visual indicators.
Data Source
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AI summary
The display device (1) has an electrical machine (3), an energy storage device (4), particularly electricity, an internal combustion engine (2) and propelled wheels (5) of the motor vehicle, which are represented as symbols in indicating mode. An energy transmission path is represented between the components in an essentially symmetrical arrangement. An independent claim is included for a method for indication in a motor vehicle.