Hybrid Vehicle Indication Apparatus for Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles lack effective indicators for drivers to avoid engine actuation and mechanical brake usage, leading to inefficient fuel consumption and energy recovery.
Innovation Solution
An indication apparatus that calculates and displays an index allowing drivers to recognize when the vehicle can travel solely by the motor without engine actuation and when regenerative braking is sufficient, preventing unnecessary engine startup and mechanical brake activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If only conventional speed meters are provided, then the device complexity is low, but the driver cannot recognize the actuation state of motive power sources or traveling state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple indication functions into a single integrated display unit. The display shows both the actuation state of motive power sources (engine/motor) and the traveling state (vehicle speed) together, eliminating the need for separate meters for each function. This merging approach provides comprehensive information while maintaining simple device structure.
2Loss of information
If the power meter shows only total output, then the device complexity is low, but the driver cannot recognize how far the accelerator pedal can be pressed before engine actuation or how far the brake pedal can be pressed before mechanical brake actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power meter indication into distinct regions: the first indication region shows the operating range where only the motor is active (before engine actuation), and the second indication region shows the operating range where regenerative braking is sufficient (before mechanical brake actuation). This segmentation provides detailed operational range information while using a single integrated display device.
3Loss of energy
If conventional indication systems are used, then the ease of operation is high, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary engine actuation or mechanical brake usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing real-time visual indication to the driver about the current operating state and available ranges. The display shows whether the vehicle is in motor-only mode or engine-assisted mode, and indicates the remaining range before engine actuation or before mechanical brake engagement. This feedback enables the driver to operate the accelerator and brake pedals within optimal ranges to maximize fuel efficiency and energy recovery.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an indication apparatus for a hybrid vehicle employing, as travelling sources for the vehicle, an engine and a rotating electric machine actuating by electric power supplied from a power storage mechanism. The rotating electric machine is actuated by said engine or driving wheels thereby generating electric power which is in turn stored in said power storage mechanism. The indication apparatus comprises a calculation portion to calculate an index with which the vehicle is allowed to decelerate without actuating a mechanical braking mechanism provided to the vehicle and an indication portion (1120) to indicate said index so as to inform a driver of said index.