Software-Controlled Horsepower Adjustment via Wireless Signal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicles lack a system to dynamically increase horsepower on demand, limiting users' ability to access additional power when needed for tasks like towing or hauling, despite the vehicle's potential capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A horsepower on demand system that includes a vehicle equipped with an engine, microprocessor, memory, software, and a wireless communications module, allowing users to purchase additional power from a third-party provider via a wireless network, which transmits control signals to modify the engine's operational characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If manufacturers provide higher powered vehicles at a premium price, then consumers gain access to increased performance capabilities, but the purchase price of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic horsepower adjustment through software control, allowing the vehicle's power output to change based on user needs and purchased credits. The control system can dynamically increase or decrease horsepower without physical modifications to the vehicle, enabling consumers to access higher performance only when needed rather than paying for it always.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the engine through software control, specifically adjusting horsepower output based on purchased credits. By modifying control parameters rather than physical components, the system allows consumers to temporarily access higher power levels without increasing the base purchase price of the vehicle.
2Ease of manufacture
If consumers purchase lower priced vehicles with less power, then the purchase price decreases, but the vehicle cannot provide additional power when needed for tasks like towing or hauling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables lower-priced vehicles to dynamically adjust their horsepower output upward when users purchase credits, transforming a static power limitation into a dynamic capability. This allows consumers to buy affordable base models and temporarily access higher performance when needed for towing, hauling, or other demanding tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the vehicle's power output universally adaptable to different task requirements. By combining software-controlled horsepower adjustment with a credit purchase mechanism, the vehicle can serve multiple functions - from economical daily driving to high-performance towing - without requiring different physical configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles are equipped with systems to increase horsepower on demand, then power flexibility improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical horsepower adjustment systems with software-based control. Instead of requiring physical modifications, additional components, or mechanical adjustments to change power output, the system uses electronic control software that can be updated and adjusted remotely, significantly reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a credit-based intermediary layer between the consumer and the horsepower adjustment mechanism. Users purchase credits through a simplified interface, and the system automatically translates these credits into horsepower adjustments, abstracting away the technical complexity from the user while maintaining power flexibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers segment consumer groups by providing different power levels, then market targeting improves, but consumers are locked into fixed power levels they may not need
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed power level segmentation into a dynamic system where consumers can adjust their horsepower levels over time based on changing needs. Rather than being locked into the power level chosen at purchase, users can buy credits to temporarily increase power or allow it to decrease over time, providing ongoing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic reassessment of power needs through time-based credit expiration and renewal mechanisms. Horsepower increases are not permanent but occur in periodic intervals based on credit purchases, allowing consumers to reassess their needs regularly and adjust their power levels accordingly rather than being locked into a fixed configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A horsepower on demand system is presented that facilitates a user to purchase additional power from a third party provider. The system includes a vehicle with an engine, a control system, a microprocessor, memory and software and a wireless communications module. The system also includes a third party provider having a module, a database, software, and an interface. When a user purchases additional power from the third party provider, the third party provider transmits a control signal over a wireless communications network to the vehicle and the vehicle's control system modifies the operational characteristics of the motor thereby increasing the power output.