Vehicle Start-Stop Override Module for Persistent Disable

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated start-stop systems in vehicles lack a persistent manual override option, requiring users to activate the override every time they drive, and some vehicles do not offer any manual override, leading to user dissatisfaction and potential reliability concerns regarding engine power and endurance.

Innovation Solution

An override module that can be installed in-line with a manual override button or directly on the vehicle's CAN bus, allowing the automated start-stop system to default to 'off' permanently by simulating the manual override through a processor that interacts with the Body Control Unit and Engine Control Unit, ensuring the engine remains off even when the vehicle is stationary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual override button is provided for the automated start-stop system, then users can disable the feature temporarily, but the override status resets each time the vehicle is restarted, requiring repeated activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disabling start-stop featureVSAvoidtime required to activate override each time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The override module performs preliminary action by automatically activating the override function when installed, eliminating the need for repeated manual activation. The module maintains the disabled state persistently across vehicle restarts, so the action of disabling the start-stop feature is performed in advance and sustained without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If the automated start-stop system is implemented to improve fuel economy, then fuel consumption decreases, but user satisfaction decreases due to perceived lag in power availability and reliability concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoiduser satisfaction and perceived reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The override module inverts the default behavior by automatically disabling the start-stop feature upon installation, reversing the manufacturer's intended operation. This allows users to immediately experience improved power availability and reliability without manually configuring the system, while the fuel economy trade-off is accepted by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of energy

If vehicles without manual override capability are equipped with automated start-stop systems, then fuel economy improves, but users have no control over the feature and reliability concerns cannot be addressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel economyVSAvoiduser control over start-stop feature

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The override module acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's start-stop system and the user's control requirements. By installing the module in the CAN bus or wiring harness, it mediates the control signals to permanently disable the start-stop feature, providing user control in vehicles that originally lacked any override capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11493012B2Start stop override module

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 METRA ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

An override module allowing a vehicle operator to default the status of an automated start-stop system to “off.” A first embodiment uses a module that is installed in-line with a manual override button. A second embodiment uses a module that is installed on the vehicle's CAN bus.