Shared Vehicle Operating Mode Adjustment for Emission Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Shared vehicle systems contribute to urban congestion and pollution, especially when used in high-traffic areas, and require frequent rebalancing, which leads to increased emissions due to long-distance vehicle relocation.

Innovation Solution

A shared vehicle system that automatically adjusts its operating mode, such as switching between electric and internal combustion engine modes, based on real-time congestion, emissions, and rebalancing requirements, using a central server to optimize vehicle usage and reduce environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If shared vehicles are used in high-traffic urban areas, then user flexibility and convenience are improved, but congestion and pollution increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser flexibilityVSAvoidcongestion and pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts vehicle operating modes (electric vs. internal combustion) based on real-time environmental conditions, traffic density, and location. This dynamic adaptation allows the vehicle to minimize harmful emissions while maintaining operational flexibility for users throughout different urban zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle's operational parameters (engine mode, power output) are automatically changed based on environmental conditions, traffic conditions, and geographic location. The system monitors multiple parameters and adjusts the vehicle's operating state to reduce emissions in sensitive areas while maintaining performance where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If vehicles are relocated for rebalancing, then even distribution across operating zone is improved, but emissions increase due to long-distance travel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle distributionVSAvoidemissions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rebalancing process is made dynamic by selecting optimal travel modes based on real-time conditions. Vehicles use electric mode for short-distance rebalancing trips within low-emission zones, and internal combustion mode for long-distance relocation, thereby minimizing overall emissions while achieving balanced distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of rebalancing vehicles based on trip distance, destination emissions sensitivity, and current environmental conditions. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize the trade-off between redistribution effectiveness and emissions reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If electric mode is used in high-congestion areas, then emissions are reduced, but vehicle range may be insufficient for long trips

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveemissionsVSAvoidvehicle range
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle system incorporates multiple power sources (electric motor and internal combustion engine) that can function independently or in combination. This multi-functionality allows the vehicle to operate in electric mode for short urban trips and switch to combustion mode for longer journeys, providing both emissions reduction and adequate range.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects between electric and combustion modes based on trip duration, distance, and environmental conditions. For long trips or when battery charge is low, the system automatically transitions to or supplements with combustion power, ensuring sufficient range while minimizing emissions when possible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9384515B2Shared vehicle management
Publication Date: 2016.07.05 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US9384515B2 patent drawing
  • US9384515B2 patent drawing
  • US9384515B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A location of a shared vehicle is identified. Shared vehicle usage data is obtained for the location. An instruction is provided to adjust an operating mode of the shared vehicle based at least on the shared vehicle usage data and the location.