Integrated Vehicle Control System Drive Mode Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of vehicle subsystems increases, drivers face a complex task in selecting appropriate configuration modes, leading to potential unintended system interactions and suboptimal vehicle performance due to the lack of integrated control coordination among subsystems.
Innovation Solution
An integrated vehicle control system with a set of control modules, an integrated drive mode selection module, and a sensing system that automatically determines and manages appropriate drive modes based on driver, vehicle, and surrounding conditions, ensuring safety and optimizing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the driver manually selects configuration modes for each vehicle subsystem, then the driver can customize settings according to preference and experience, but the complexity of operation increases and the potential for unintended system interactions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual subsystem configuration modes into a single integrated drive mode selection. Instead of requiring the driver to independently configure transmission, suspension, steering, and other subsystems, the system merges these into unified drive modes (e.g., sport, winter, economy) that automatically coordinate all subsystem settings, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated drive mode selection serves multiple functions simultaneously: it configures transmission gear ratios, adjusts suspension stiffness, modifies steering assistance levels, and coordinates brake control all through a single driver input. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate configuration steps for each subsystem.
2Ease of operation
If the driver manually selects configuration modes for each vehicle subsystem, then the driver has full control over individual settings, but the control coordination among different subsystems deteriorates leading to suboptimal vehicle performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges individual subsystem controls into an integrated drive mode management system that ensures proper coordination. The controller receives a single drive mode selection and automatically distributes appropriate configuration parameters to each subsystem, ensuring they work together harmoniously rather than independently, thereby improving system coordination and vehicle performance.
3Ease of operation
If an integrated vehicle control system automatically determines drive modes, then control coordination among subsystems is improved and operational complexity is reduced, but the extent of automation increases requiring sophisticated control algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated drive mode selection system operates autonomously without requiring complex real-time calculations or sophisticated control algorithms. The controller simply receives the driver's drive mode selection and automatically applies the corresponding pre-defined configuration parameters to each subsystem, allowing the system to self-configure based on driver input rather than requiring complex automated decision-making.
4Productivity
If the system activates drive modes based on detected conditions, then optimal vehicle performance is achieved for prevailing conditions, but the risk of unintended vehicle behaviors increases without safety verification
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a safety module that provides feedback verification before activating any drive mode. The safety module detects current vehicle conditions and verifies that the selected drive mode is appropriate and safe for those conditions. This feedback mechanism prevents unintended vehicle behaviors by ensuring that automated drive mode activation only occurs when safety conditions are met.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing driving support system to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a set of control modules, having at least one operational setting, configured for electronically controlling the vehicle components. The system includes an integrated drive mode selection module having a set of drive modes for modifying the settings for each control module. A sensing system detects at least one condition associated with the driver, vehicle or surroundings. A controller determines an appropriate drive mode for the vehicle based on the condition and the output of a safety module that ensures that the drive mode is safe while driving.