Rough Terrain Vehicle Transmission Control for Seat Belt Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rough terrain vehicles face challenges in limiting vehicle velocity without increasing costs or weight, particularly when the occupant is not wearing a seat belt, as conventional methods either incur additional costs or result in unnatural speed changes and reduced durability of components.
Innovation Solution
A rough terrain vehicle equipped with a seat belt attachment determining unit that switches between first and second speed change modes of automatic transmission based on whether the occupant is wearing a seat belt, limiting velocity by prohibiting up-shifting to higher gear ratios and ensuring speed changes occur within a predetermined range, thereby maintaining vehicle stability and component durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the vehicle velocity is limited by modifying a mechanism inside the vehicle, then the vehicle velocity can be limited, but the weight of the vehicle increases and additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical velocity limitation mechanisms with an electronic control system that manages automatic transmission gear shifting. The ECU controls the transmission control unit to restrict up-shifting to predetermined gear ratios based on seat belt status, eliminating the need for mechanical modifications while achieving velocity limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters of the automatic transmission system by modifying gear shifting behavior through electronic control. The ECU adjusts transmission control parameters (gear ratio selection) based on seat belt attachment status, enabling velocity limitation without physical mechanical changes to the vehicle.
2Speed
If the vehicle velocity is limited by modifying a mechanism inside the vehicle, then the vehicle velocity can be limited, but additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical velocity limitation mechanisms with an electronic control system that manages automatic transmission gear shifting. The ECU controls the transmission control unit to restrict up-shifting to predetermined gear ratios based on seat belt status, eliminating the need for mechanical modifications while achieving velocity limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the existing automatic transmission system and ECU for dual purposes: normal operation and velocity limitation. By making the transmission control unit adjustable through software/firmware based on seat belt status, the same hardware serves multiple functions without requiring separate mechanical limitation devices.
3Ease of operation
If conventional speed change timing is used when velocity is limited, then natural speed changes occur, but component durability decreases due to unnatural speed changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameters of the automatic transmission by restricting up-shifting to predetermined gear ratios when velocity limitation is active. The ECU modifies transmission control parameters to prevent up-shifting beyond specific gear ratios, creating a balanced control strategy that maintains ride comfort while protecting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of transmission gear shifting based on real-time seat belt status detection. The system dynamically adjusts transmission control behavior - allowing normal up-shifting when seat belts are worn, and restricting up-shifting when seat belts are not worn - optimizing both comfort and durability under different operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat belt attachment determining unit of a rough terrain vehicle determines whether or not a seat belt is being worn by a vehicle occupant. In the case it is determined by the seat belt attachment determining unit that the vehicle occupant is wearing the seat belt, the ECU switches a transmission gear stage of an automatic transmission using a first speed change mode. On the other hand, in the case it is determined by the seat belt attachment determining unit that the vehicle occupant is not wearing the seat belt, the ECU switches the transmission gear stage using a second speed change mode.