Non-linear SOC Display Segments for Vehicle Battery Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SOC indicators in vehicles change the number of segments in an on state at a linear rate, leading to user uncertainty about charging capacity and battery life, especially when the state of charge is in high or low ranges, as the rate of change is not noticeable enough to encourage frequent charging.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adjust the number of SOC segments at non-linear rates, with slower changes in high or low SOC ranges, using a processor and controller to determine and display the state of charge based on sensor data, assigning different power numbers to each segment to illuminate or de-illuminate them accordingly, providing increased confidence in battery life and charging capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of SOC segments is changed at a linear rate, then the indicator provides a simple and consistent visual representation, but the user loses confidence in the charging capacity when fully charged and the segments decrease too rapidly in high and low SOC ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transitioning from a static linear segment change rate to a dynamic non-linear segment change rate. The system now adjusts the number of illuminated segments at varying rates depending on the SOC range: slower rates in high and low SOC ranges to maintain user confidence, and faster rates in middle SOC ranges. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the indicator adaptive to different charging states, thereby maintaining reliability while accepting increased control complexity.
2Speed
If the number of segments decreases rapidly in middle SOC range, then the indicator responds quickly to charge level changes, but the user does not have adequate notice to recharge the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Local quality principle by implementing different segment change rates for different SOC ranges. Specifically, the system uses a slower segment change rate in high and low SOC ranges (where user notice and reaction time are critical) and a faster rate in middle SOC ranges. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing adequate user notice time in critical ranges while maintaining quick response in less critical ranges.
3Loss of information
If the SOC segments are increased to provide more detailed charge information, then the user gains better awareness of battery status, but the segments deplete too quickly reducing confidence in battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by implementing a non-linear segment change rate that adapts to the SOC range. The system provides detailed charge information through multiple segments but controls their depletion rate dynamically: segments change more slowly in high and low SOC ranges, creating a perceived extension of battery life and maintaining user confidence. This resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive status information while preventing rapid segment depletion that would undermine perceived battery longevity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for changing the segments of an SOC indicator of a vehicle at non-linear rates or for changing the number of the segments in an on state more slowly when the SOC is high or low as opposed to when the SOC is in the middle range. The system can be implemented with a vehicle including a battery, a sensor, a processor, a controller and a display. The method may include determining a display SOC based on the SOC of the vehicle, providing, by a display, three sets of lights including a low-SOC set, a middle-SOC set, and a high-SOC set, each light is illuminated or de-illuminated based on whether the display SOC has changed by an amount greater than the light's assigned power increment or decrement, where the middle-SOC power increments and decrements are less than the low-SOC or high-SOC power increments and decrements.