Hybrid Vehicle Engine Oil Change Timing Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles face challenges in determining accurate engine oil change times due to their unique driving characteristics, leading to unnecessary oil changes and increased costs, as conventional methods do not account for the varying engine usage patterns and dual power sources.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a controller that determines the current engine driving state, calculates real-time cumulative distance values, updates oil usage distance, and compares it with a predetermined engine oil change distance to inform the driver of the optimal oil change time through a notification unit, incorporating engine speed, vehicle speed, and motor speed to reflect specific driving characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the engine oil change time is determined by the same method as general combustion engine vehicles (based on predetermined distance), then the oil change system is simple to operate, but the engine oil change time becomes inaccurate for hybrid electric vehicles due to varying engine usage patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static, fixed-distance oil change determination method to a dynamic method that continuously monitors multiple parameters (engine operating time, vehicle speed, acceleration, load conditions) and adjusts the oil change timing based on actual engine usage patterns. This allows the system to adapt to varying driving conditions in hybrid electric vehicles, improving accuracy without requiring overly complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring engine operating parameters and using this information to determine when oil changes are needed. The system collects data from sensors regarding engine runtime, vehicle dynamics, and operating conditions, then processes this feedback to generate accurate oil change recommendations specific to each hybrid vehicle's usage patterns, rather than relying on fixed schedules.
2Reliability
If the engine oil is changed frequently to ensure sufficient lubrication in hybrid electric vehicles with short engine cumulative time, then engine reliability is improved, but unnecessary oil changes occur increasing operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing an optimized oil change strategy that provides just enough lubrication maintenance based on actual engine needs, rather than excessive frequent changes. The system calculates the precise oil change interval by monitoring cumulative engine operating time and conditions, ensuring sufficient lubrication protection while avoiding unnecessary changes that waste time and resources.
3Measurement precision
If conventional oil change methods are used in hybrid electric vehicles without considering dual power sources, then the system is easy to manufacture, but accurate engine usage patterns are not captured leading to suboptimal maintenance scheduling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a maintenance determination system that serves multiple functions: it monitors engine operating time, tracks vehicle dynamics, analyzes acceleration and load patterns, and integrates data from both engine and motor operations in hybrid electric vehicles. This multi-functional approach captures accurate engine usage patterns while utilizing existing vehicle sensor infrastructure, making the system relatively easy to implement across different hybrid vehicle models.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing the engine oil usage information may include determining, by a controller, a current engine driving state out of a plurality of predetermined driving states of an engine of the hybrid electric vehicle from driving information, determining, by the controller, a real-time cumulative distance value corresponding to the determined current engine driving state, updating, by the controller, an oil usage distance using the real-time cumulative distance value, determining, by the controller, an engine oil change time by comparing the updated oil usage distance with a predetermined engine oil change distance, and informing, by the controller, information related to the determined engine oil change time through a notification unit.