Auxiliary Vehicle Control from Start Actuation and Driver State

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transportation vehicle systems require manual activation and control of auxiliary systems after the propulsion motor is started, which can distract the operator and hinder efficient preparation for the vehicle's mission.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using processing circuitry to determine manual actuation of the start actuator, driver seat occupancy, and driver side door state to control auxiliary systems based on predetermined rules, allowing for automated activation of temperature control, lighting, and other systems without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual control of auxiliary systems is implemented, then the operator can control each system individually, but the operator's attention is distracted and preparation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveManual control capabilityVSAvoidPreparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically activating auxiliary systems (lighting, climate control, windows) based on detected door opening events and environmental conditions, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing preparation time before vehicle departure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary systems serve themselves through automated control logic that monitors sensor inputs (door state, ambient temperature, light levels) and autonomously activates or deactivates systems without requiring operator intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated auxiliary system control is implemented, then preparation time is reduced and operator support is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVehicle preparation efficiencyVSAvoidControl system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system achieves multi-functionality by using a single automated control unit that manages multiple auxiliary systems (lighting, climate control, window operation) through unified logic, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms for each system

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between sensor inputs (door state, temperature sensors, light sensors) and auxiliary system actuators, coordinating their interactions through centralized logic that simplifies the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If auxiliary systems are activated based on environmental conditions, then operator comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOperator comfortVSAvoidAuxiliary system energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts auxiliary system operation based on real-time environmental conditions and vehicle state, activating systems only when necessary (e.g., climate control when door is opened and temperature threshold is exceeded, lighting only in dark conditions) and deactivating them when conditions change, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4282675A1A method of controlling an auxiliary system of a transportation vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4282675A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4282675A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4282675A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Computer implemented method of controlling an auxiliary system of a transportation vehicle (10), the method comprising determining, by a processing circuitry, manual actuation of a start actuator (320) of the vehicle (10) for a predetermined duration, determining, by the processing circuitry, a driver seat state of a driver seat (306) of the vehicle (10) as being occupied or not occupied, determining, by the processing circuitry, a door state of a driver side door (310) of the vehicle (10) as being open or closed, and controlling, by the processing circuitry, operation of the auxiliary system according to a predetermined set of rules based on the driver seat state and the door state.