STT System Driver Reassurance via Feedback and Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of vehicles equipped with automatic engine stop and restart systems are often confused or worried when the system fails to stop the engine due to insufficient battery charge or other safety constraints, leading to temporary unavailability of the automatic stop function without clear communication.
Innovation Solution
A method to inform the driver through visual and/or sound cues that the unavailability of the automatic engine stop is a normal operation, by checking conditions such as driver presence, cabin thermal system, powertrain state, braking system, and battery charge, and providing reassurance that the prohibition is for safety and service reasons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the automatic engine stop function is implemented, then fuel consumption is reduced and emissions are lowered, but driver confusion and worry increase when the system prohibits stopping due to safety constraints or insufficient battery charge
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the driver through a warning light and audible signal when the automatic engine stop function is unavailable. This feedback mechanism explains that the prohibition is due to normal operational constraints (safety requirements or battery charge levels) rather than system failure, thereby reducing driver confusion while maintaining the energy-saving function when conditions permit
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the driver's expectation of engine stopping and the actual system behavior. It mediates by providing explanatory information through warnings and indicators, translating the technical reasons for prohibiting engine stop into driver-understandable messages that reassure rather than confuse
2Reliability
If the battery charge is checked before each automatic stop to ensure sufficient charge for restarting, then engine restart reliability is improved, but the automatic stop function becomes temporarily unavailable when battery charge is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary checking of battery charge levels before authorizing automatic engine stop. By checking battery status in advance and comparing it with predetermined thresholds, the system ensures that engine restart will be reliable while proactively managing the availability of the stop function based on predicted battery sufficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle components such as headlights, radio, or air conditioner consume electrical energy, then vehicle functionality is maintained, but battery charge depletes making automatic engine stop and restart difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the availability of the automatic engine stop function based on real-time battery charge levels and the operational state of vehicle components. When high-power components are active, the system adapts by prohibiting engine stop to preserve battery charge, and this dynamic restriction is communicated to the driver through warning indicators
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for informing, in a reassuring manner, the driver of a vehicle that is provided with a heat engine and a STT system for automatically stopping and restarting the engine. The method comprises the following steps: verifying that the driver requested the automatic engine stop; determining that the vehicle system does or does not allow the automatic stop; and if the automatic stop was properly requested and the vehicle system does not allow the automatic stop, informing the driver that not automatically stopping the engine is a normal operation.