Vehicle Control Unit for Adaptive Drive Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive mode selection systems in vehicles require manual activation by drivers, which is inconvenient and often results in suboptimal mode selection due to limited understanding of mode effects, and preprogrammed systems fail to adapt to varying conditional needs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control unit that receives information from various sensor modules, calculates probability scores, and automatically selects a drive mode by comparing these scores to drive mode thresholds, allowing for adaptive operation of vehicle operation modules to optimize vehicle performance based on environmental and operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual drive mode selection is implemented, then drivers have control over vehicle operation modes, but driver distraction increases and mode selection becomes suboptimal due to limited understanding of mode effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically selecting drive modes based on sensor data without requiring driver intervention. The vehicle control unit autonomously monitors environmental conditions, calculates probability scores for different drive modes, and executes mode selection, freeing the driver from this cognitive task while maintaining optimal vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical selection process with an automated electronic system. Instead of drivers physically selecting modes through interfaces, the system uses sensor modules, probability calculations, and electronic control to automatically determine and apply the appropriate drive mode based on real-time conditions.
2Extent of automation
If preprogrammed drive mode systems are used, then automatic mode selection is provided, but the systems fail to adapt to varying conditional needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by continuously adapting drive mode selection based on real-time sensor data rather than relying on fixed preprogrammed modes. The vehicle control unit dynamically calculates probability scores for different drive modes based on current environmental conditions, allowing the system to flexibly respond to varying operational needs and environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensor modules continuously monitor vehicle conditions and environmental factors, feed this information to the vehicle control unit, which then adjusts drive mode selections accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables the vehicle to adapt to changing conditions in real-time rather than following static preprogrammed sequences.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor modules are integrated for probability score calculation, then drive mode selection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the drive mode selection process into distinct functional modules: sensor modules for data collection, a probability calculation module for score computation, and a vehicle control unit for decision-making. This modular segmentation allows multiple sensors to be integrated systematically, improving measurement precision while managing complexity through structured organization of components.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and systems for automotive drive mode operation are disclosed. A disclosed method includes receiving information relating to a condition of a vehicle from a vehicle sensor module, comparing the information to a drive mode threshold, and selecting a drive mode change based on the information satisfying the drive mode threshold. The disclosed method also includes sending the drive mode change to a first vehicle operation module, the first vehicle operation module operating at least one other vehicle operation module to adjust vehicle operation based on the drive mode change.