Vehicle Controller Variable Engine Restart Waiting Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems experience delays and inefficiencies in engine restart when shifting from the D range to the P range during automatic engine stop, as they require a uniform waiting time, which can lead to delayed vehicle movement and reduced fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A controller that adjusts the waiting time for engine restart based on the duration of automatic stop, allowing for non-uniform waiting times that optimize engine responsiveness and prevent quick battery drainage, by increasing waiting time with longer durations of automatic stop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a uniform preset waiting time is used for engine restart after automatic stop, then the control logic is simple, but the vehicle movement response is delayed and fuel consumption efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the waiting time variable rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the waiting time based on the duration of automatic engine stop and shift position change patterns. When the engine stops for a long duration or when rapid shift changes are detected, the waiting time is extended to prevent unnecessary restarts. Conversely, when the engine stops for short durations, the waiting time is reduced to enable faster vehicle movement response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of waiting time based on operating conditions. The control unit monitors the duration of automatic engine stop and modifies the waiting time parameter accordingly. This allows the system to optimize between preventing quick battery drainage (longer waiting time) and enabling rapid vehicle movement (shorter waiting time) based on real-time driving conditions.
2Reliability
If the engine is restarted when the shift position changes to the R range during automatic stop, then the automatic engine stop state is maintained, but the action of moving the vehicle is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by monitoring shift position changes and engine stop duration. The control unit detects when the shift lever passes through the R range and evaluates whether this is a temporary passage or an intentional reverse operation. Based on this feedback, the system decides whether to extend or reduce the waiting time, thereby balancing the maintenance of automatic engine stop state with the need for timely vehicle movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the waiting time based on the detected shift pattern. When rapid shift changes are detected (indicating temporary passage through R range), the waiting time is extended to maintain automatic stop. When sustained reverse shift is detected, the waiting time is reduced to enable quicker engine restart and vehicle movement.
3Device complexity
If a fixed waiting time is applied regardless of automatic stop duration, then the control system is simple, but battery drainage occurs quickly and fuel consumption efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the waiting time parameter based on the duration of automatic engine stop. When the engine stops for longer durations, the waiting time is extended to prevent quick battery drainage. When the engine stops for shorter durations, the waiting time is reduced to enable faster restart when needed. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes energy efficiency without requiring complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adapts the waiting time based on real-time monitoring of engine stop duration. This allows the system to optimize battery protection and fuel consumption efficiency by extending waiting time when the engine has been stopped for long periods (reducing restart frequency) while maintaining responsiveness when stop durations are short.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for a vehicle, the vehicle including an engine and a transmission gear device, the controller includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to: (i) stop the engine automatically when predetermined engine stopping conditions are fulfilled, the predetermined engine stopping conditions including fulfillment of a shift position condition of the transmission gear device, (ii) start the engine automatically when a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since a change in shift position, and (iii) change the waiting time depending on the duration of an automatic stop of the engine.