Vehicle Stop-Start Preference Retaining Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic stop-start systems in vehicles frequently reset to their default mode after each ignition cycle, requiring drivers to manually deactivate the automatic stop-start function each time, which is inconvenient and can lead to premature wear of the starter system.

Innovation Solution

An automatic stop-start preference retaining circuit that uses an intermediary harness and control module to store a driver's preferred mode, allowing the system to retain the selected mode across ignition cycles without requiring a separate power source or additional wiring, and can be easily retrofitted into various vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the automatic stop-start system defaults to active mode after each ignition cycle, then the system can achieve fuel savings and emission reductions through automatic engine shutoff, but drivers experience inconvenience and must manually deactivate the system each time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoiddriver convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control module stores the driver's preferred mode in memory before the ignition cycle completes, and automatically applies this stored preference when the system restarts, eliminating the need for the driver to manually reactivate or deactivate the system after each ignition cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors the driver's manual adjustments to the stop-start mode and uses this feedback to update the stored preference, ensuring the system automatically defaults to the driver's preferred setting rather than always resetting to factory defaults

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If the automatic stop-start system frequently shuts off and restarts the engine, then fuel consumption and emissions are reduced, but the starter system experiences premature wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidstarter system durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control module automatically manages the stop-start function based on stored driver preferences and detected driving conditions, making intelligent decisions about when to activate or deactivate the system without requiring driver intervention, thereby reducing unnecessary starter engagements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If the system automatically reactivates the stop-start function after ignition cycles, then fuel savings are maximized, but driver frustration increases leading to permanent deactivation attempts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoiddriver satisfaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control module proactively stores the driver's preferred mode before the ignition cycle completes and automatically applies this preference upon system restart, preventing the frustrating scenario where the system defaults to a mode the driver does not want

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system learns from driver behavior by monitoring manual mode changes and updating stored preferences accordingly, creating a responsive system that adapts to driver preferences rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all default behavior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the automatic stop-start system to maintain the driver's preferred mode consistently, reducing the need for frequent manual deactivation and minimizing starter system wear, while being plug-and-play and OEM-style connector compatible for easy installation and removal.

Implementation Method 1

The automatic stop-start preference retaining circuit includes a capacitor that obtains power from the vehicle automatic stop start circuit in order to power the automatic stop-start preference retaining circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11040716B2Method and apparatus to control vehicle automatic engine stop-start system including preference retention

Publication Date: 2021.06.22 AUTOSTOP SAVER LLC

AI summary

An automatic stop-start preference retaining circuit for selectively disabling an automatic stop-start circuit in a vehicle is disclosed. The automatic stop-start preference retaining circuit is controlled by an on-vehicle switch that selectively deactivates and activates the automatic stop-start circuit in the vehicle. The automatic stop-start preference retaining circuit includes an energy storage device that obtains power from the automatic stop-start circuit in the vehicle. The preference retaining circuit also includes an electronic control module that is configured to receive power from the energy storage device when power is unavailable from the automatic stop-start circuit of the vehicle. The electronic control module is configured in series in a path between the on-vehicle switch and a wiring harness of the vehicle that includes the automatic stop-start circuit. The control module selectively overrides the on-vehicle switch to deactivate or activate the automatic stop-start circuit.