Vehicle Control Device Shift Range Notification Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control devices require complex operations to switch the shift range to a neutral or parking range, with a risk of unintended automatic switching and lack of driver awareness during power source shutdown, leading to potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control device with a control unit that automatically switches the shift range to a parking range based on vehicle speed and driver input, accompanied by a notification system to inform the driver of the operation, ensuring intentional driver action and preventing unintended switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shift range is automatically switched to parking range when vehicle power source is turned off, then the operation is simplified, but unintended switching may occur without driver awareness
Solution Approach 1:
The notification unit activates before the automatic shift range switching occurs, providing advance warning to the driver. This preliminary notification allows the driver to be aware of the upcoming automatic switching to parking range, preventing unintended operations while maintaining the simplified automatic switching function.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification unit provides feedback to the driver about the system's intended action (automatic switching to parking range). This feedback mechanism ensures the driver is informed about the automatic operation, reducing the risk of unintended switching while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If the driver must operate the ignition switch while keeping the neutral switch pressed, then the switching can be controlled, but the operation becomes complicated and bothersome
Solution Approach 1:
The notification function is extracted as a separate intermediary element between the driver's switch operation and the automatic shift range switching. This notification mechanism provides control assurance without requiring the driver to perform multiple simultaneous operations, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification unit acts as an intermediary that mediates between the driver's switch operation and the automatic shift range switching. It provides a middle ground that ensures driver awareness and control without requiring complex multi-step operations, thus reducing operational complexity while maintaining switching control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the automatic switching to parking range is released and shifted to neutral range, then the shift range can be changed, but the driver may not be aware of the switching operation
Solution Approach 1:
The notification unit provides continuous feedback to the driver during the shift range switching process. Whether the system automatically switches to parking range or maintains/switches to neutral range, the driver is informed of the operation through the notification unit, preventing information loss and ensuring driver awareness of all shift range changes.
Data Source
AI summary
While an engine (drive source) is being driven, when a long pressing operation (selection operation on a predetermined shift range) on an N-range button via a SBW shifter is executed, an engine drive/stop button blinks to notify a driver (step S1 and step S2). During the blinking of the engine drive/stop button, when the engine drive/stop button is pressed and the engine (drive source) is stopped, a neutral range is maintained without being switched to a parking range automatically (step 3 and step 4).