Vehicle Operating State Detection Using Speed Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the operating states of motor vehicles, such as distance to empty (DTE) and time to empty (TTE), are inadequate for vehicles that perform both stationary tasks and traveling at varying speeds, as they do not accurately differentiate between intended stationary and traveling states, leading to incorrect refueling information.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that determine the operating state of a motor vehicle by comparing its speed state with predetermined thresholds, distinguishing between stationary and traveling states based on steadiness and speed, and providing relevant refueling information, ensuring accurate assessment of time or distance before refueling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If DTE (distance to empty) information is provided for vehicles traveling at speeds substantially greater than zero, then refueling information is useful for traveling tasks, but it becomes irrelevant for vehicles performing stationary tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefueling information applicabilityVSAvoidrelevance of refueling information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between DTE and TTE information based on the detected operating state. When the vehicle is in a traveling state (speed above threshold), DTE is displayed. When in a stationary state (speed below threshold for a predetermined time), TTE is displayed. This dynamic adaptation ensures the most relevant refueling information is always provided.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the displayed parameter (distance vs. time to empty) based on the operating state. The determination unit monitors vehicle speed and temporal characteristics to identify whether the vehicle is traveling or stationary, then selects the appropriate refueling metric to display, ensuring relevance for each operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If TTE (time to empty) information is provided for stationary vehicles, then refueling information is useful for stationary tasks, but it becomes irrelevant for vehicles traveling at speeds substantially greater than zero

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefueling information applicabilityVSAvoidrelevance of refueling information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between DTE and TTE information based on the detected operating state. When the vehicle is in a traveling state (speed above threshold), DTE is displayed. When in a stationary state (speed below threshold for a predetermined time), TTE is displayed. This dynamic adaptation ensures the most relevant refueling information is always provided.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the displayed parameter (distance vs. time to empty) based on the operating state. The determination unit monitors vehicle speed and temporal characteristics to identify whether the vehicle is traveling or stationary, then selects the appropriate refueling metric to display, ensuring relevance for each operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the system determines operating state based solely on speed threshold, then the determination is simple, but it cannot distinguish between temporary speed changes and intended stationary or traveling states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating state determination simplicityVSAvoidoperating state determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system requires the vehicle speed to remain below the threshold for a predetermined time period before determining a stationary state, and similarly requires speed to exceed the threshold for a predetermined time before determining a traveling state. This preliminary waiting period filters out temporary speed fluctuations and ensures more accurate state determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The determination unit continuously monitors vehicle speed and uses the temporal duration of speed maintenance as feedback to confirm operating state. This feedback mechanism distinguishes between transient speed changes and genuine state transitions, improving determination accuracy while maintaining relatively simple system operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2625057B1Method and system for determining operating states of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2016.05.04 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP2625057B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2625057B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2625057B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining operating states(D, S) of a motor vehicle(1) comprising the step of determining a speed state (V) of the vehicle, comprising the steps of comparing (S33, S52, S37) said speed state (V) with a predetermined vehicle speed (VL, VH), determining (S36, S40, S34, S38, S53) an operating state(D, S) on the basis of said comparison, and providing information about whether the operating state determined is a stationary state(S) or a travelling state(D). The invention relates also to a system for determining operating states of a motor vehicle. The invention relates also to a motor vehicle.