Idling Stop Failure Indicator for Vehicle Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing idling stop control systems in vehicles are inefficient in indicating the cause of non-execution of the idling stop function, leading to driver mistrust and increased time-consuming diagnostics, as they require accessing multiple ECUs and sorting through irrelevant fault information.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle diagnosing system with a dedicated idling stop failure indicator that uses specific warning lamps and fault codes to differentiate between inhibiting and non-inhibiting faults, allowing the driver to visually confirm the cause of idling stop failure and facilitating easier diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple ECUs are monitored for fault diagnosis, then comprehensive fault detection is achieved, but diagnostic time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates idling stop-related fault codes from other fault codes in the ECU memory. The display control unit specifically extracts second idling stop fault codes that do not activate warning lamps, presenting them separately to the driver. This extraction principle allows comprehensive monitoring of multiple ECUs while reducing the time needed to identify idling stop-specific issues during diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments fault codes into different categories: first idling stop fault codes that activate warning lamps, second idling stop fault codes that don't activate warning lamps, and other fault codes. This segmentation is displayed differently on the instrument panel, allowing quick identification of idling stop issues without needing to analyze all fault codes from multiple ECUs, thus reducing diagnostic time while maintaining comprehensive detection.
2Loss of information
If all fault codes are displayed to the driver, then complete fault information is provided, but driver confusion and mistrust increase due to irrelevant information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different information presentations for different fault types. Second idling stop fault codes are specifically displayed in the idling stop display area with distinct visual characteristics (e.g., different color or icon) compared to other fault codes. This localized, differentiated presentation helps drivers quickly understand idling stop status without being confused by unrelated fault information, while still maintaining access to complete fault data through the warning lamp system.
3Reliability
If a dedicated idling stop indicator is added, then driver awareness of idling stop status improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by utilizing existing instrument panel components (display units, icons, colors) to convey multiple types of information. The same display area that shows warning lamps for first idling stop fault codes also displays information about second idling stop fault codes. This universal use of existing display elements provides dedicated idling stop indication without adding separate physical indicators, maintaining driver awareness while avoiding increased device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are: a vehicle configured such that if idling does not automatically stop, an in-vehicle display will occur immediately if a malfunction is the cause, thereby enabling a driver to have peace of mind and concentrate on driving, without giving the driver an unnecessary sense of unease; a vehicle diagnostic system therefor; and a vehicle diagnostic method. The vehicle (12) comprises an idle stop error display unit (112) provided corresponding to a specific ECU among a plurality of ECUs, and that indicates that an idle stop malfunction has occurred, being a malfunction corresponding to a second IS malfunction code, when a malfunction has occurred within a control target range for any among the plurality of ECUs, said malfunction recording the second IS malfunction code which does not cause the operation of a warning light requesting inspection or repair of an error that has occurred inside the vehicle (12).