Vehicle Energy Efficiency Display with Average Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs often fail to achieve desired fuel economy or energy efficiency due to inadequate understanding of driving habits and lack of clear feedback on energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An information display system that includes an energy consumption gauge and average efficiency indicator, which calculates and displays an average efficiency value based on energy consumption per unit distance over time, helping drivers adjust their behavior by providing real-time and historical efficiency feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If drivers operate hybrid electric vehicles without clear energy consumption feedback, then the vehicle can function with standard instrumentation, but drivers fail to achieve desired fuel economy or energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by displaying real-time energy consumption information through gauges that show current power source usage (engine vs. motor), state of charge levels, and efficiency ratings. This continuous feedback loop enables drivers to see the direct impact of their driving behavior on energy consumption, allowing them to adjust habits to achieve better fuel economy.
2Measurement precision
If the vehicle includes comprehensive sensing electronics and computers to provide detailed information, then energy consumption can be accurately measured, but the amount of information becomes virtually limitless and drivers cannot process it all
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments information display into distinct, easily interpretable gauges: a power source indicator showing engine vs. motor contribution, a state of charge gauge for battery levels, and an efficiency rating system. This segmentation breaks down complex energy management data into simple visual cues that drivers can quickly understand and act upon without being overwhelmed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color changes to convey energy consumption status and efficiency levels. Different colors indicate different operating modes (e.g., green for efficient electric operation, yellow for transition, red for engine-dominated operation), allowing drivers to rapidly assess vehicle efficiency at a glance without processing numerical data.
3Loss of information
If drivers are provided with detailed information on hybrid driving states, then understanding of vehicle operation can be improved, but drivers remain unable to translate recommended techniques into real changes in driving habits
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time visual feedback from the gauges creates an immediate connection between driver actions and vehicle response. When drivers see their efficiency rating drop or energy consumption increase, they can immediately adjust their driving behavior to improve the reading, creating a direct feedback loop that translates information into actionable behavior changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of color-coded efficiency indicators provides intuitive, emotionally resonant feedback that motivates behavioral change. Drivers naturally respond to visual cues like green (efficient) vs. red (inefficient) ratings, making it easier to internalize and act on efficiency recommendations compared to numerical or text-based information.
Data Source
AI summary
An information display system may include an information display including a gauge specifying energy consumption of a vehicle and an average efficiency indicator specifying an average of the energy consumption, and a controller, in communication with the information display, configured to calculate an average efficiency value based on an amount of the energy consumption per unit distance over time, and adjust the average efficiency indicator based upon the average efficiency value.