Idling Stop Control Unit Automatic Prohibition Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing idling stop control systems require manual switch operation to cancel the idling stop prohibiting state, leading to potential forgetfulness and reduced fuel efficiency if not executed properly.

Innovation Solution

An idling stop control unit that automatically cancels the idling stop prohibiting state when specific conditions are met, such as changes in air conditioning settings or predetermined temperature and humidity levels, ensuring the engine restarts during vehicle stops to maintain comfort and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual off switch is provided to prohibit idling stop when air conditioner is operating, then air conditioning comfort is maintained, but the system requires manual operation which may be forgotten leading to reduced fuel efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual switch operationVSAvoididling stop execution reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages the idling stop prohibiting state without requiring manual user intervention. When the air conditioner is operating, the system automatically prohibits idling stop and automatically cancels the prohibition when the air conditioner stops, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous user attention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the air conditioner operation status and automatically adjusts the idling stop prohibition state based on this feedback. When the air conditioner is on, idling stop is prohibited; when it stops, the prohibition is automatically canceled, creating a closed-loop control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If idling stop is automatically canceled when air conditioner switch is operated, then air conditioning comfort is ensured, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair conditioning state controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The idling stop control function is merged with the existing air conditioner control system. The same control unit that manages air conditioner operation also manages the idling stop prohibition state, eliminating the need for a separate manual switch and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The air conditioner switch serves dual purposes: controlling air conditioner operation and managing the idling stop prohibition state. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of separate controls needed in the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8838369B2Idling stop control unit and idling stop control method
Publication Date: 2014.09.16 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
  • US8838369B2 patent drawing
  • US8838369B2 patent drawing
  • US8838369B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An idling stop control unit (ISCU) provided in a vehicle including an air conditioner (S) which controls an air conditioning state of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The idling stop control unit includes: idling stop prohibiting means for canceling idling stop to restart an engine (10) and prohibiting execution of idling stop when a switch for changing the air conditioning state is operated during idling stop in which the engine (10) is stopped when the vehicle is at a stop; and idling stop enabling means for automatically lifting the prohibition and enabling execution of idling stop when a predetermined condition is met.