Stop/Start Engine Controller Notification for Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems that automatically stop and restart engines to conserve fuel often deactivate electrical power consumers when the driver leaves the vehicle, preventing system updates and unauthorized vehicle operation, but this can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and insufficient electrical energy for engine restart.
Innovation Solution
A method where the engine is automatically stopped by a controller, with a notification sent to the driver that electrical power consumers will be deactivated unless reactivated within a predetermined time, and the engine is only restarted after verifying the driver's identity, allowing systems to remain online and updated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the engine is automatically stopped to conserve fuel, then fuel consumption is reduced, but electrical energy becomes insufficient for power consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by notifying the driver in advance that power consumers will be deactivated, and by deactivating them proactively before electrical energy becomes critically low. This allows the system to maintain fuel savings while preventing energy depletion through advance warning and staged deactivation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery state of charge and provides feedback to the controller, which then adjusts power consumer deactivation timing accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that electrical energy levels are maintained within safe thresholds while maximizing fuel economy benefits from engine stoppage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power consumers are deactivated when the driver leaves the vehicle, then electrical energy is conserved, but vehicle systems cannot be updated
Solution Approach 1:
The system deactivates power consumers in advance when the driver exits the vehicle, before any unauthorized operation attempts occur. This preliminary deactivation prevents both energy waste and ensures systems are in a known state, while the notification system provides drivers with advance warning of the deactivation timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages power consumer deactivation without requiring driver intervention. The controller monitors driver absence, determines optimal deactivation timing, executes deactivation, and provides notification to the driver, creating a self-managing system that balances energy conservation with system update needs.
3Productivity
If the engine is restarted automatically, then vehicle operation is maintained, but unauthorized operation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system acts as an intermediary between the automatic engine stop function and the driver. By providing advance warning that power consumers will be deactivated, it creates a communication channel that allows the driver to make informed decisions about whether to return to the vehicle and restart the engine, thereby preventing unauthorized operation while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the driver to self-manage vehicle operation by providing clear notifications about engine stoppage and power consumer deactivation timing. The driver can then independently decide whether to return to the vehicle to restart the engine based on their needs, creating a trust-based system that prevents unauthorized use while maintaining operational continuity.
4Loss of energy
If the engine remains stopped for longer periods, then fuel consumption is reduced, but battery state of charge decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary deactivation of power consumers before the battery becomes critically low, extending the safe duration of engine stoppage. By proactively managing power consumer operation based on battery state of charge thresholds, the system allows longer engine stoppages for fuel savings while preventing battery depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery state of charge and provides real-time feedback to adjust power consumer operation. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically extend or reduce engine stoppage duration based on actual battery conditions, maximizing fuel savings while maintaining safe operating thresholds.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for improving operation of a vehicle are presented. In one example, a controller notifies a human vehicle driver before electric power consumers that are electrically coupled to the vehicle are deactivated. The controller may notify the human driver in response to a state of charge of a vehicle battery.