Idle Stop Control Ignition Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing idle stop control systems may lead drivers to mistakenly believe the ignition switch is off when the engine is temporarily stopped, causing them to exit the vehicle, which can result in safety issues.
Innovation Solution
An idle stop control method and device that automatically stops the engine when specific conditions are met, including a reduced brake operation and the engagement of the parking brake, while providing ignition information to the driver to prevent exiting the vehicle with the ignition on.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the engine is automatically stopped when the vehicle stops and brake operation is reduced, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the driver may misunderstand that the ignition switch is off and exit the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a notification device as an intermediary to convey ignition switch status information to the driver. When the engine is automatically stopped, the notification device activates to inform the driver that the ignition switch remains on, preventing misunderstanding and ensuring safe vehicle exit behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by notifying the driver of the ignition switch status after automatic engine stop. This feedback loop ensures the driver is aware of the actual system state (ignition on despite engine stop), allowing them to make informed decisions about vehicle exit.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the engine stop control continues when the ignition switch is on, then the braking force can maintain the vehicle stop state, but the driver may get out of the vehicle misunderstanding the ignition state
Solution Approach 1:
The notification device serves as an intermediary communication channel between the vehicle's control system and the driver. It transmits critical information about ignition switch status, ensuring the driver understands the actual system state before exiting the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary notification to the driver before the driver might attempt to exit the vehicle. By providing advance information about the ignition switch status, the system prevents potential safety issues before they occur.
3Device complexity
If the ignition switch state is not notified after engine automatic stop, then the control system remains simple, but the driver cannot distinguish between ignition on and off states
Solution Approach 1:
A notification device is introduced as an intermediary component to bridge the gap between the control system and the driver. This device provides essential information transmission without requiring major changes to the core control system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic indicators with a simpler notification mechanism (such as visual or auditory signals) to convey ignition status. This substitution maintains system simplicity while effectively communicating critical information to the driver.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
When a permission condition which is set in advance is satisfied in a state in which a vehicle is stopped by an operation of a brake pedal by the driver, an engine mounted on the vehicle is automatically stopped; and when the engine is automatically stopped, while a vehicle stop maintaining control to generate a braking force capable of maintaining a stop state of the vehicle is operated even when a brake operation is reduced, there is started notification to the occupant of the vehicle about ignition information which indicates that a state of an ignition switch of the vehicle is on when a parking brake is operated.