Dynamic Tachometer Cues for Non-Synchromesh Shift Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine speed indicators, such as tachometers, are inadequate for assisting drivers in shifting gears smoothly in non-synchromesh manual transmissions, fail to clearly indicate optimal engine speed ranges for fuel economy, and do not effectively communicate power take-off operation, leading to potential engine damage and reduced driver safety.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic tachometer system that determines target gear shift points, updates visual indications based on road speed and transmission gear ratios, provides clear indications of optimal engine speed ranges, and dynamically changes displays to alert drivers of overspeed and power take-off operations, using a combination of visual and auditory cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical mark on a physical tachometer is provided to indicate engine speed maximum limit point, then the indication is visible, but it requires increased part inventory due to high part variability and cannot be dynamically emphasized when approaching the limit point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static physical markings with dynamic digital indicators that can adapt to different engine configurations and dynamically emphasize the maximum limit point when the vehicle approaches or exceeds it. The system continuously monitors engine speed and dynamically updates the display to provide context-aware warnings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the display parameters (brightness, position, intensity) of the maximum limit point indication based on the current engine speed and proximity to the limit, allowing a single device to serve multiple engine configurations without requiring physical customization.
2Loss of energy
If an indication of optimal engine speed range is provided on the tachometer, then fuel economy optimization is enabled, but the indication may illuminate during core acceleration and become distracting to the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the visibility and intensity of the optimal engine speed range indication based on driving conditions. During core acceleration, the indication is dimmed or hidden, while during steady-state cruising, it becomes more prominent to guide fuel-efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides conditional feedback about optimal engine speed only when it is relevant and not distracting. The feedback mechanism monitors both engine speed and driving context to determine when to present optimization information to the driver.
3Device complexity
If a traditional analog tachometer with fixed markings is used, then the device is simple, but it cannot provide real-time dynamic guidance for gear shifting and engine speed optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical analog display system with a digital display system that can present dynamic, programmable information. This substitution enables real-time calculation and display of gear shift points, optimal engine speed ranges, and maximum limit point warnings based on current vehicle conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer readable storage device are provided for providing a dynamic tachometer. Based on various signal inputs from a plurality of data sources, a tachometer may be dynamically modified to include visual information and assistance to the driver in relation to the vehicle's engine speed (i.e., revolution speed of the vehicle's crankshaft). The tachometer may include one or a combination of: dynamic shift point indicators, a target engine speed range indicator, an overspeed indicator, and a power take-off mode indicator.