Vehicle Operator Notification System for Mode Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems do not effectively notify operators of previously selected driving modes after vehicle shutdown and restart, potentially leading to unintended mode changes and reduced fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle controller is programmed to generate a notification when the vehicle is restarted after shutdown, indicating the previously selected driving mode, and automatically switches to standard mode if the optional mode is not reselected upon starting the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle automatically switches to standard mode after shutdown, then unintended mode changes are prevented and fuel efficiency is improved, but the operator loses the ability to maintain the previously selected optional mode if that was the intended configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback through a notification display that informs the operator of the previous driving mode selection after vehicle shutdown. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to see what mode was active before shutdown, enabling informed decisions about whether to reselect the same mode or switch to standard mode, thus resolving the contradiction between automatic safety switching and operator intent preservation.
2Loss of information
If the system generates a notification about previous mode selection, then the operator is informed of the mode state, but additional information processing and display requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system leverages the existing display interface already present in the vehicle for other purposes (such as showing messages, warnings, and operational information). By reusing this existing display capability for mode selection notification, the system preserves information about previous mode selections without adding significant complexity, as the display hardware and basic control logic are already part of the vehicle's standard interface.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle maintains the optional driving mode after restart, then fuel efficiency is optimized by preserving the selected mode, but the risk of unintended operation increases if the operator forgot the mode selection
Solution Approach 1:
The notification display provides visual feedback to the operator about the previously selected driving mode, creating awareness that enables the operator to make an informed decision. This feedback resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain the fuel-efficient optional mode while giving the operator the information needed to ensure this matches their intended operation, thus maintaining both energy efficiency and operational reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an ignition, selector, and controller. The ignition is configured to start and shutdown the vehicle. The selector is configured to transition the vehicle between a standard driving mode and an economy driving mode. The controller is programmed to, in response starting the vehicle after a prior shutdown with the economy mode selected, generate a notification that the vehicle was operating in the economy mode upon the prior shutdown.