Vehicle Control Device Dynamic Engine Start Threshold for ACC
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control (ACC) and idle stop control, the internal combustion engine cannot be automatically started by easing the brake pedal, leading to inconvenience for the driver, as the system does not consider the typical operation used in normal idle stop control.
Innovation Solution
A control device with an electronic control unit that automatically starts the internal combustion engine when the operation amount of a start operating member (such as the accelerator pedal or steering wheel) meets a predetermined threshold, with different thresholds for ACC execution and non-execution, allowing for easier engine start-up and improved convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the internal combustion engine is automatically started by easing the brake pedal in normal idle stop control, then the convenience of engine start-up is improved, but when ACC is executed together with idle stop control, the engine cannot be automatically started by easing the brake pedal, causing deterioration of convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operation amount threshold for engine start-up dynamic rather than fixed. The electronic control unit sets different threshold values based on whether ACC is being executed: a first predetermined amount when ACC is not executed, and a smaller second predetermined amount when ACC is executed. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different operational contexts, enabling convenient engine start-up through brake pedal easing when ACC is active, while maintaining appropriate control when ACC is not active.
2Ease of operation
If the operation amount threshold for engine start-up is reduced when ACC is executed, then the convenience of engine start-up is improved, but the distinction between different operational modes becomes less clear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the threshold parameter for engine start-up based on the operational mode. The electronic control unit changes the operation amount threshold from the first predetermined amount to the second predetermined amount when ACC execution status changes. This parameter adjustment enables the system to provide different levels of ease for engine start-up depending on whether ACC is active, improving convenience during ACC while maintaining clear operational mode distinction through the electronic control logic that tracks ACC status.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for a vehicle executes an adaptive cruise control and an idle stop control. The control device automatically starts an internal combustion engine when an operation amount of a start operating member different from a brake pedal is larger than or equal to a predetermined amount while the idle stop control is being executed. The control device sets the predetermined amount to a first predetermined amount when the adaptive cruise control is not executed. The control device sets the predetermined amount to a second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount when the adaptive cruise control is being executed.