Vehicle Start-Stop Control With Timed Auto Reactivation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing start-stop systems in vehicles often deactivate unintentionally during short stops, leading to inefficient use and increased driver effort in managing automatic engine shutdown and restart, particularly in situations like parking or navigating through traffic.

Innovation Solution

A device with a deactivation time interval feature allows drivers to temporarily deactivate the start-stop system for a defined period, automatically reactivating it after the interval expires, along with an adjustable setting via the steering wheel for enhanced convenience and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the start-stop system is deactivated using the on/off button during short stops, then the driver can prevent automatic engine shutdown in specific situations, but the driver frequently forgets to reactivate the system, leading to prolonged deactivation and reduced system effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver operation convenienceVSAvoidstart-stop system activation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically reactivating the start-stop system after a predefined time interval following deactivation. This eliminates the need for the driver to manually remember and reactivate the system, while still allowing temporary deactivation when needed during short stops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If the start-stop system automatically switches off the engine during stops, then fuel consumption is reduced and emissions are lowered, but the driver experiences increased effort in managing the system during brief stops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoiddriver effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service by automatically managing its own reactivation. After the driver deactivates the system for a short stop, the system automatically reactivates itself after the predefined interval, freeing the driver from the burden of manual reactivation and reducing overall driver effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the start-stop system is deactivated for extended periods, then the driver has full control over engine operation, but the system fails to provide fuel savings and emission reduction benefits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver control flexibilityVSAvoidfuel efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by automatically reactivating the start-stop function after a predefined time interval. This creates a natural rhythm where the system can be temporarily deactivated for short stops when driver control is needed, but automatically returns to its fuel-saving operation after the interval expires, ensuring both driver flexibility and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3006724B1Device and method for supporting a driver of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3006724B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3006724B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3006724B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for supporting a driver of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a start-stop device (2) being provided, by means of which an internal combustion engine forming a drive device of the vehicle can be switched off automatically when the moving vehicle is stopped, wherein the start-stop device (2) has a starting device (3) which can be actuated by the driver and which can be actuated to restart the switched-off internal combustion engine. According to the invention, a deactivation device (10) that can be actuated by the driver is provided, by actuation of which the start-stop device (2) can be deactivated for a defined deactivation time interval (Δt), wherein after the deactivation time interval (Δt) has elapsed Start-stop device (2) can be activated again automatically.