Hybrid Vehicle Power Flow Display System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles lack effective displays to provide operators with comprehensive information on power flow between components in hybrid vehicles, which is crucial for understanding and optimizing their operation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for displaying power flow in hybrid vehicles, involving component icons and graphical representations, where powertrain signals are processed to calculate and display the magnitude and direction of power flow between key components like the engine, electric motor, battery, and drive wheels, using a controller, signal processor, and data processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional vehicle displays are used in hybrid vehicles, then the display system remains simple and familiar, but the operator cannot obtain comprehensive information on power flow between components
Solution Approach 1:
The display system segments power flow information into distinct visual components: power flow indicators showing magnitude and direction, component icons representing different vehicle components, and graphical representations displaying relationships. This segmentation allows comprehensive power flow information to be presented in an organized, manageable format that doesn't overwhelm the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional one-dimensional linear displays to a two-dimensional graphical interface where components are positioned spatially and power flow is represented through directional indicators and visual magnitudes. This dimensional change enables simultaneous presentation of multiple power flow paths and component relationships that cannot be effectively shown in linear formats.
2Ease of operation
If detailed power flow information is provided to the operator, then understanding of vehicle operation improves, but the display system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The display system uses color variations to encode different aspects of power flow information. Color changes indicate power flow direction, magnitude levels, and component states, allowing the operator to quickly comprehend complex power interactions through visual cues rather than numerical data alone. This reduces cognitive load while maintaining information richness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies and representations of physical power flow relationships through graphical icons and indicators. These graphical copies mirror the actual power interactions in the vehicle, providing an intuitive visual model that helps operators understand complex power dynamics without requiring deep technical knowledge of the underlying systems.
3Loss of information
If graphical representations of power flow are displayed, then operator understanding improves, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display system implements partial action by showing only the most relevant power flow information based on current vehicle operating conditions. Rather than continuously displaying all possible power interactions, the system selectively presents information that is currently active or significant, reducing processing requirements while maintaining comprehensive coverage of important power dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system updates graphical representations periodically or based on threshold changes rather than continuously processing all power flow data. This periodic update approach reduces computational burden by processing information only when meaningful changes occur in power interactions, rather than maintaining constant processing of steady-state conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for determining a mode of operation of a hybrid vehicle, obtaining torque data and speed data based on the mode of operation, and displaying component icons as well as a graphical representation of power flows. The graphical representation of power flows is displayed between pairs of the component icons. The component icons represent components of the hybrid vehicle including an engine, a battery, drive wheels, and an electric machine arrangement.