Regeneration Level Selector for Adaptive Pre-Crash Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with motor regeneration systems, drivers lack a clear feeling of deceleration when switching from the accelerator to the brake, as the change in braking distance is not effectively communicated, and deceleration cannot be identified through engine sound, unlike in conventional vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes a motor, a detecting unit for front object distance, a control unit for pre-crash control, and a regeneration level selector, which adjusts the regenerative braking force based on the driver's operation, allowing the control unit to set a larger distance for low regeneration levels and a smaller distance for high levels, providing a feeling of deceleration and enabling adaptive cruise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the regeneration level of the motor is increased to provide stronger regenerative braking force, then the braking distance is shortened, but the driver cannot identify the deceleration through engine sound like in conventional vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the driver through the alarm issuance distance, which varies based on the selected regeneration level. When a higher regeneration level is selected, the alarm is issued at a shorter distance, informing the driver of the stronger regenerative braking effect. This feedback mechanism compensates for the lack of engine sound feedback, allowing the driver to understand the actual deceleration behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual or auditory alarm signals to indicate different regeneration levels, similar to how color changes convey information. The alarm issuance distance acts as a visual indicator that changes based on the selected regeneration level, providing the driver with clear information about the deceleration state without relying on engine sound.
2Reliability
If the alarm issuance distance is changed based on vehicle speed only, then pre-crash control is improved, but the driver does not obtain a feeling of the regeneration level
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by making the alarm issuance distance specific to each regeneration level selection. Instead of a uniform alarm distance, the system creates localized alarm distances tailored to each regeneration level (first, second, third levels), providing the driver with level-specific feedback that enhances both pre-crash control reliability and driver awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm issuance distance is made dynamic by linking it to the driver's regeneration level selection. The distance automatically adjusts based on the selected level, creating a dynamic relationship between driver input and system response. This dynamic adjustment ensures the driver receives appropriate feedback corresponding to their chosen deceleration profile.
3Ease of operation
If the prescribed value for pre-crash control is made larger for low regeneration levels, then the braking distance is adequately accounted for, but the distance between vehicles at pre-crash control execution varies significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system accepts the dynamic variation in distance as a feature rather than a bug. By linking the prescribed value dynamically to the selected regeneration level, the system ensures that the distance variation accurately reflects the driver's intended braking behavior. This dynamic approach maintains stability in the sense that the distance is consistently appropriate for each selected level.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively communicates the regeneration level to the driver through adjusted braking distances and warning notifications, allowing for timely deceleration and maintaining a safe distance, enhancing driver awareness and vehicle control during pre-crash situations.
Implementation Method 1
a motor (140A) serving as a driving force source for the vehicle... the motor makes regenerative braking force at the time of turning off an accelerator larger when the selected regeneration level is high than when the selected regeneration level is low
Data Source
AI summary
A distance sensor detects a distance to an object in front of a vehicle. An ECU executes pre-crash control when the detected distance becomes equal to or smaller than a prescribed value. A regeneration level selector selects a regeneration level of a motor in accordance with driver's operation. A motor makes regenerative braking force at the time of turning off an accelerator larger when the selected regeneration level is high than when the selected regeneration level is low. The ECU makes the prescribed value larger when the selected regeneration level is low than when the selected regeneration level is high.