Vehicle Control System Mode Switching with Default Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle control systems lack an efficient method to seamlessly switch between manual and automatic modes based on selected driving surfaces, often relying on predefined settings or driver input, which can lead to suboptimal subsystem configurations for varying terrain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that allows users to select driving surfaces in manual mode and automatically adjusts subsystem configurations based on terrain indicators, with a user-operable input device to switch between modes, ensuring optimal default configurations are maintained or selected based on previous manual mode settings or general-purpose modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the system operates in automatic mode and switches to manual mode, then the user gains direct control over subsystem configuration, but the system loses the ability to automatically adapt to terrain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between manual and automatic operating modes, allowing the user to select driving surface in manual mode while the system automatically adapts to terrain in automatic mode. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by enabling both direct user control and automatic terrain adaptation at different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of subsystem configuration based on the selected mode. In manual mode, the parameter is set by user input; in automatic mode, the parameter is automatically adjusted based on terrain indicators. This parameter change mechanism allows the system to resolve the contradiction between user control and automatic adaptation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system provides multiple predefined driving surface options, then the user can select appropriate configurations, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user-operable input device serves multiple functions: it detects user input for manual mode, provides tactile feedback through movable elements, and interfaces with the control system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability across different driving surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The input device automatically provides tactile feedback by moving between first and second positions based on the selected driving surface, without requiring additional actuators or complex feedback mechanisms. This self-service approach reduces system complexity while enhancing user awareness of the selected configuration.
3Loss of information
If the input device provides tactile feedback by moving between positions, then the user awareness of selected configuration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input device automatically provides tactile feedback by moving between first and second positions based on the selected driving surface, without requiring additional actuators or complex feedback mechanisms. This self-service approach reduces system complexity while enhancing user awareness of the selected configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile feedback function is extracted as a separate mechanical feature of the input device, independent of the electronic control system. This separation allows the feedback mechanism to operate autonomously, reducing the complexity of the integrated system while maintaining effective user awareness.
4Productivity
If the system maintains default subsystem configuration mode based on previous manual mode settings, then the switching between modes is seamless, but the system requires memory of previous states
Solution Approach 1:
The control system pre-establishes default subsystem configuration modes for each driving surface. When switching from automatic to manual mode, the system automatically applies the appropriate default configuration based on the currently selected driving surface, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and ensuring seamless transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the selected driving surface to automatically determine the appropriate default subsystem configuration mode. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain seamless mode switching by automatically selecting the correct default configuration based on the current operating context, reducing the complexity of state management.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a motor vehicle control system for selecting a driving surface and for controlling a plurality of vehicle subsystems to operate in a plurality of subsystem configuration modes in dependence on the selected driving surface, the system being operable in a manual operating mode in which a user is able to select said driving surface and an automatic operating mode in which the system is operable to select said driving surface automatically; wherein the system is able to be switched between said manual and automatic operating modes by means of a user-operable input device; and wherein when operating in the automatic operating mode and a change from the automatic operating mode to the manual operating mode is made via the user-operable input device, the system is configured to select a default subsystem configuration mode.