Hybrid Tachometer with Electric Drive Usability Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles require innovative display solutions to effectively indicate the operation of both electric motors and gas-powered engines, as existing indicators are not suitable for hybrid vehicles, potentially overwhelming users with unnecessary information.
Innovation Solution
A tachometer system with an all-electric drive portion and a hybrid drive portion, where the needle position is determined by factors such as battery discharge, torque requirements, and operating costs, indicating the usability of electric drive and the onset of hybrid drive operation, using a processor and sensors to provide a clear and informative display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional engine speed indicators are used in hybrid electric vehicles, then the display is simple and familiar to users, but it fails to provide useful information about electric drive usability and battery status
Solution Approach 1:
The tachometer is redesigned to serve multiple functions: it displays traditional engine speed information while simultaneously indicating electric drive usability, battery status, and hybrid operation states. The dial is segmented into different zones (all-electric drive portion, hybrid drive portion, engine-only portion) that provide comprehensive vehicle operation information in a single integrated display, eliminating the need for separate indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple information displays (engine speed, electric drive capability, battery status, hybrid operation mode) into a single tachometer interface. The needle position and dial markings integrate these different data streams into one unified visual indicator, reducing information overload while maintaining comprehensiveness.
2Loss of information
If multiple separate indicators are added to show electric drive status, then all necessary information is provided, but the user interface becomes overwhelming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tachometer dial is segmented into distinct operational zones: an all-electric drive portion, a hybrid drive portion, and an engine-only portion. Each zone is marked with different visual indicators and corresponds to specific vehicle operating modes. This segmentation allows users to quickly understand vehicle status by observing which zone the needle occupies, simplifying complex information into intuitive visual regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color coding and visual markings on the dial to differentiate between operating modes. Different portions of the dial are associated with different colors or visual patterns that correspond to electric drive capability levels, making it easy for users to grasp vehicle status at a glance without processing numerical data.
3Loss of information
If the tachometer displays detailed electric drive metrics, then information completeness is improved, but the display becomes cluttered and less readable
Solution Approach 1:
The tachometer displays the most critical information (electric drive usability, operating mode) through needle position and dial zone indicators, while detailed metrics like percent battery discharge and percent maximum torque are available through supplementary digital displays or user interfaces. This partial display approach maintains tachometer clarity while providing access to complete data when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
An indicator, system and method of indicating electric drive usability in a hybrid electric vehicle. A tachometer is used that includes a display having an all-electric drive portion and a hybrid drive portion. The all-electric drive portion and the hybrid drive portion share a first boundary which indicates a minimum electric drive usability and a beginning of hybrid drive operation of the vehicle. The indicated level of electric drive usability is derived from at least one of a percent battery discharge, a percent maximum torque provided by the electric drive, and a percent electric drive to hybrid drive operating cost for the hybrid electric vehicle.