Mode Expansion Module for Vehicle Operating Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles typically have a limited number of operating modes, making it resource-intensive and wasteful to manufacture new vehicles with additional modes, as manufacturers often discard existing vehicles rather than upgrading them.
Innovation Solution
A mode expansion module that intercepts signals from existing vehicle controls and components, allowing users to select additional operating modes such as fuel efficiency, power, and performance modes, without requiring new vehicle manufacturing, by using existing cables and controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers design new vehicles with additional operating modes, then the number of available operating modes increases, but resource consumption and manufacturing waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle control system into separate functional modules. The mode expansion module is a standalone device that can be independently installed and configured, rather than integrating all control functions into the main vehicle manufacturing process. This segmentation allows the operating mode expansion to be added as a separate component, reducing the need to manufacture entirely new vehicles for different mode requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mode expansion module serves multiple functions by enabling a single vehicle to operate in multiple different operating modes (e.g., fuel efficiency mode, sport mode, towing mode). This multi-functionality allows one vehicle design to accommodate diverse operational requirements that would traditionally require different vehicle versions, thereby reducing manufacturing waste and resource consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers create different vehicle versions for different operating modes, then operating mode variety increases, but manufacturing complexity and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mode expansion module acts as an intermediary device between the vehicle's existing control systems and the driver's input. It intercepts control signals from the steering wheel and other inputs, processes them according to the selected operating mode, and generates appropriate command outputs to the vehicle's control modules. This intermediary approach allows mode variety without requiring complex manufacturing of multiple vehicle versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vehicle operating parameters based on the selected mode without requiring physical reconfiguration or manufacturing changes. The mode expansion module can switch between different operating modes in real-time, allowing the vehicle to adapt its characteristics (power delivery, steering response, fuel management) dynamically rather than requiring different static vehicle configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing vehicles are discarded instead of upgraded, then manufacturing new vehicles with additional modes is simplified, but resource efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding existing vehicles, the patent recovers and utilizes the existing vehicle's control infrastructure (steering wheel inputs, control modules, wiring harness). The mode expansion module is integrated with these existing components, recovering their value and extending the vehicle's functionality without requiring disposal and replacement with entirely new vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The mode expansion module utilizes the vehicle's own existing control systems and inputs to provide enhanced functionality. It interfaces with the vehicle's existing steering wheel controls, dashboard displays, and control modules, allowing the vehicle to serve itself by leveraging its current infrastructure rather than requiring complete replacement or extensive external modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for employing a mode expansion module to increase a number of operating modes in which a vehicle can operate. The mode expansion module can operate as a computing device, which can be connected to an existing vehicle for sending and receiving both sensor signals and engine control signals. The mode expansion module can be controlled by a user using an existing vehicle control switch that is connected to the vehicle, and can leverage connections to an existing display panel in the vehicle in order to indicate to the user the operating mode that has been selected. Furthermore, when a particular mode of the mode expansion module is selected, the mode expansion module can modify control commands being transmitted from an existing engine control module, and/or modify sensor signals being provided to the existing engine control module.