Split Braking Gauge for Regenerative Energy Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs often fail to achieve desired fuel economy or energy efficiency due to inadequate understanding of driving habits, as they lack clear information on regenerative and friction braking distributions.
Innovation Solution
An information display system featuring a split braking gauge with a regenerative braking gauge and a friction braking gauge, where the regenerative braking indicator moves relative to a static threshold, allowing drivers to quickly assess the regenerative braking contribution compared to the total braking amount, and a method to display this information using a braking gauge with fixed boundaries and indicators to show the distribution between regenerative and friction braking sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single braking gauge is used to display total braking force, then the device complexity is reduced, but the driver cannot distinguish between regenerative and friction braking contributions
Solution Approach 1:
The braking gauge is segmented into two distinct display regions: a first region representing regenerative braking contribution and a second region representing friction braking contribution. This segmentation allows the driver to clearly distinguish between the two braking sources while maintaining a unified gauge structure, thus resolving the contradiction between information completeness and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If dynamic regenerative braking threshold values are used, then the accuracy of regenerative braking assessment is improved, but the gauge becomes harder to read quickly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the threshold marker dynamically, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the threshold marker static and moving the braking indicator relative to it. The braking indicator's position between the static first marker (zero point) and static second marker (threshold) visually represents the ratio of regenerative braking to threshold, enabling quick assessment while maintaining precise dynamic threshold values.
3Quantity of substance
If the regenerative braking indicator moves along the entire gauge range, then the full braking force range is displayed, but the regenerative braking threshold becomes less visible
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge is segmented into two functional zones: the first region from the first marker to the braking indicator shows actual regenerative braking contribution, and the second region from the braking indicator to the second marker shows the remaining capacity to threshold. This segmentation ensures the static threshold marker remains clearly visible while the braking indicator traverses the appropriate portion of the gauge, preserving both threshold visibility and full range representation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle information display may include a split braking gauge for conveying information relating to braking operation and efficiency to assist drivers in maximizing energy capture during braking in vehicle with regenerative braking systems. The split braking gauge may incorporate a side-by-side or stacked configuration for conveying both regenerative braking and friction braking values. The split braking gauge may include fixed thresholds or boundaries associated with dynamic threshold values that can change based on current vehicle operating conditions.