Hybrid Vehicle Travelable Distance Calculation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicle fuel gauges inaccurately measure remaining fuel due to fluctuations, leading to inconsistencies in travelable distance calculations and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A travelable distance calculation apparatus that uses a combination of a fuel gauge, correction filter, update mechanism, and determination means to record and update values, suppressing fuel surface oscillation-induced fluctuations by holding recorded values during engine stoppage and recalculating based on measured values during sharp decreases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the remaining fuel amount is measured using a fuel gauge based on float position, then the measurement is simple and low-cost, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to fuel oscillation and liquid surface fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by recording the fuel amount at the time of engine start in memory before fuel oscillation occurs. This recorded value is then used as the basis for travelable distance calculation during engine operation, preventing the influence of subsequent fuel level fluctuations on the measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (memory device and control logic) that mediates between the fuel gauge measurement and the travelable distance calculation. Instead of directly using real-time fuel gauge readings during engine operation, the system uses the recorded fuel amount as an intermediate stable value, eliminating the direct impact of fuel oscillation on the calculation accuracy.
2Reliability
If the travelable distance is calculated based on real-time remaining fuel amount, then the calculation reflects current fuel status, but the display stability deteriorates due to fluctuations from liquid surface oscillation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary recording of the fuel amount at engine start before fluctuations occur. This pre-recorded stable value is then used for travelable distance calculation during engine operation, ensuring display stability while still reflecting the fuel status at the beginning of the operational period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic updating of the recorded fuel amount value - it records the fuel amount at engine start, holds this value during operation, and updates it when the engine stops or when fuel amount changes exceed a predetermined threshold. This periodic update mechanism maintains display stability while eventually reflecting significant fuel status changes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the recorded fuel amount is held during engine stoppage, then fluctuations from liquid surface oscillation are suppressed, but the responsiveness to actual fuel consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system updates the recorded fuel amount value periodically - at engine start, when engine stops, or when changes exceed a predetermined threshold. This periodic update strategy maintains stability during normal operation while ensuring timely reflection of significant fuel consumption changes, balancing stability and responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The recorded fuel amount value serves multiple functions: it provides stable baseline data for travelable distance calculation during engine operation, and simultaneously acts as an updated reference when significant fuel consumption occurs or engine operation changes. This multi-functionality allows the same mechanism to address both stability and responsiveness requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A travelable distance calculation apparatus comprises: an update means 72 for recording a measured remaining fuel amount value, and also sequentially updating the recorded value; a calculation means 73 for calculating a travelable distance based on the remaining capacity of a battery and the recorded value; and a display means 80 for displaying at least the travelable distance. During a period when an engine 13 is stopped, the update means 72 holds, as the recorded value, a value recorded during operation of the engine 13.