Vehicle Energy Gauge Using Sensor Extrapolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle energy consumption displays are inefficient due to crude algorithms, leading to inaccurate feedback and increased energy waste, as they require constant speed and road conditions for accurate measurements, making it difficult for drivers to optimize energy use without significant engineering or capital investment.
Innovation Solution
A user permission interface and enhanced energy usage gauge that allows drivers to override default algorithms and immediately see fuel or electricity consumption, enabling quick adjustments based on real-time conditions, using sensors and extrapolation techniques to account for kinetic and potential energy, terrain, and traffic changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If crude algorithms are used for energy consumption display, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and feedback accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system displays estimated energy consumption to the driver in real-time, allowing the driver to adjust driving behavior based on this feedback. The system continuously monitors actual energy consumption and compares it with estimates, refining the algorithms over time without requiring complex hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses readily available sensor data already present in modern vehicles (accelerometer, GPS, speed sensor) to perform energy consumption calculations, eliminating the need for additional expensive sensors or complex measurement equipment. The algorithm self-calibrates using data from normal driving operations.
2Productivity
If real-time accurate energy feedback is provided to drivers, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with computational algorithms that run on the vehicle's existing electronic control units. Instead of using sophisticated sensors and measurement hardware, the system uses software-based calculations combining data from simple, already-present sensors to estimate energy consumption with sufficient accuracy for driver feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters being monitored from direct energy consumption measurements to surrogate parameters (speed, acceleration, GPS location, terrain data) that can be easily measured and processed. The algorithm then converts these surrogate parameters into energy consumption estimates, reducing processing complexity while maintaining useful accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If default algorithms are used without user override capability, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different driving conditions and user preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic adaptability where the algorithm can operate in different modes (conservative, aggressive, balanced) and automatically adjusts its behavior based on detected driving conditions such as terrain, traffic patterns, and weather. The system remains simple to operate while adapting to various scenarios through automated parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the driver and the complex algorithmic system - a simple user interface that allows drivers to select from pre-configured driving modes or provide high-level preferences. This intermediary translates simple user inputs into complex algorithmic parameters, maintaining ease of operation while enabling adaptability.
4Use of energy by moving object
If manufacturers implement advanced energy management features, then energy efficiency and performance improve, but manufacturing cost and initial complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the energy management system universal by designing it to work with the standard sensor suite already present in modern vehicles. The same algorithm can be implemented across different vehicle types and manufacturers without requiring vehicle-specific hardware modifications, reducing manufacturing costs while providing advanced energy management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive computational resources and readily available sensor data instead of costly specialized measurement equipment. By leveraging existing vehicle electronics and processors, the patent provides advanced energy management at minimal additional manufacturing cost, treating computational processing as a disposable resource rather than investing in permanent expensive hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for improving vehicle performance and efficiency. The performance is improved by allowing the user to customize parameters and other features through the use of an interface accessible to the vehicle operator or owner, which enables and encourages development and rewards many stakeholders including vehicle producers and third party vendors (e.g. aftermarket), customers, maintenance service providers, and insurance companies. One form of performance improvement, a novel method of accomplishing an enhanced form of energy efficiency calculation for near real-time display to the operator, is provided in detail.