Vehicle Parameter Adjustment via Portable Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle dynamic control systems require manual adjustments of operating parameters before driving, which can be distracting and compromise safety and performance, as real-time adjustments are difficult to make without diverting attention from the road.

Innovation Solution

A method using a portable processing device with a wireless communication interface, such as a smartphone or tablet, to dynamically adjust vehicle parameters like throttle response, suspension, and braking in real-time by accessing an electronic map of the path, identifying the current sector, and transmitting settings to the vehicle's electronic control unit for sector-specific adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of vehicle parameters is performed before driving, then driving performance can be optimized for specific path features, but the driver cannot adjust parameters in real-time without distracting attention from driving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle parameter adjustment capabilityVSAvoidreal-time parameter adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A portable processing device (smartphone or tablet) serves as an intermediary between the driver and the vehicle's electronic control unit. The device communicates wirelessly with the vehicle, allowing the driver to adjust operating parameters remotely without manual intervention on the vehicle itself, thus eliminating distraction while maintaining full control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms (levers, buttons on the vehicle) with an electronic wireless communication system. The portable processing device transmits adjustment commands wirelessly to the vehicle's electronic control unit, substituting physical mechanical interaction with electronic signaling, enabling distraction-free real-time parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If electronic settings of vehicle parameters are made before driving, then performance can be optimized, but safety is compromised when manual adjustment is attempted while driving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving safetyVSAvoidreal-time parameter adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The portable processing device acts as a safe intermediary that enables real-time parameter adjustment without requiring the driver to take hands off the wheel or eyes off the road. All adjustments are made through the wireless communication interface, maintaining driving safety while enabling adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically identifies the current sector based on GPS position and autonomously applies the appropriate parameter settings stored in memory, eliminating the need for the driver to manually select or adjust parameters during driving, thus maintaining both safety and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If multiple operating parameters are adjusted manually, then vehicle performance can be optimized, but driver distraction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle performance optimizationVSAvoiddriver attention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple parameter adjustments are performed through wireless electronic communication from the portable processing device to the vehicle's control unit, replacing manual mechanical adjustment of multiple controls. This allows comprehensive parameter optimization without requiring the driver's physical intervention or divided attention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages multiple parameter adjustments by retrieving pre-stored optimal settings for the current sector and applying them autonomously through wireless communication, eliminating the need for the driver to manually adjust multiple parameters and thereby preventing distraction while maintaining performance optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3213536B1A method for the dynamic adjustment method of operating parameters of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.11.21 PIAGGIO & C SPA

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AI summary

It is described a dynamic adjustment method (100) while driving a vehicle (1) of at least one vehicle operating parameter, the vehicle (1) comprising at least one electronic control unit (9) adapted to set said operating parameter, and at least one communication interface (9') operatively connected to the electronic control unit (9), the method (100) being executable by an application program installed on board of a portable processing device (10) comprising a communication interface (12) adapted to communicate with the communication interface (9' ) of the vehicle ( 1 ); the method (100) comprising the steps of: accessing (102) via the application program to an electronic map of a path and dividing said path in a plurality of sectors; - storing (103) via the application program a plurality of values of the operating parameter, each being associated to a corresponding sector; - identifying (105) in real time while driving of the vehicle and via the application program the sector occupied by the vehicle (1); - transmitting (106), sector by sector, from the portable processing device (10) to the electronic control unit (9) said plurality of values so that the electronic control unit (9) sets, sector by sector, said operating parameter of the vehicle (1) to the value associated to the occupied sector.