Vehicle Shift Control for Direct N-to-B Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers experience difficulty in switching from a neutral mode to a second forward traveling mode during forward coasting in vehicles equipped with automatic return type shift operating devices, requiring multiple operations and potentially leading to unintentional vehicle starting or mode switching errors.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit is configured to determine the vehicle's mode and traveling direction, allowing a single operation to switch from the neutral mode to the second forward traveling mode by selecting the second forward traveling operation position, eliminating the need for intermediate mode changes and reducing operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple operations are required to switch from neutral mode to second forward traveling mode, then safety against unintentional starting is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the switching requirements based on vehicle state. When the vehicle is detected to be in forward coasting (moving forward in neutral mode), the system allows direct switching to second forward traveling mode with a single operation. When forward coasting is not detected, multiple operations are required. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system both safe and convenient depending on conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the operational parameters (number of operations required) based on the detected vehicle state. The parameter representing switching complexity is adjusted according to whether forward coasting is detected, allowing the system to transition between requiring one operation or multiple operations to switch modes.
2Reliability
If multiple operations are required for mode switching, then prevention of erroneous operation is improved, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the switching procedure based on vehicle state. During forward coasting, the system detects this condition and allows direct mode switching, reducing operational time. When forward coasting is not detected, the system maintains multiple operation requirements to prevent erroneous operations, thus balancing time efficiency with safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary detection of forward coasting state before allowing mode switching. By detecting the vehicle's moving state in advance, the system can determine whether to permit direct switching or require multiple operations, thereby preventing erroneous operations while minimizing unnecessary time loss.
3Reliability
If intermediate mode switching is required, then safety control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically determines whether intermediate mode switching is necessary based on detected vehicle state. When forward coasting is detected, the system allows direct switching to second forward traveling mode, simplifying the operational sequence. When forward coasting is not detected, the system maintains the intermediate switching requirement, thus balancing safety control with operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit replaces complex mechanical switching sequences with electronic control logic. By using sensors to detect forward coasting state and processing this information electronically, the system can determine whether to permit direct switching, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining safety control through intelligent decision-making.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an electronic control unit (18), a traveling mode switching control unit (44) switches a traveling mode from an N mode to a B mode when a shift lever (20) is operated to a B operation position while the traveling mode is the N mode and the vehicle (10) is traveling forward. Accordingly, during forward coast traveling in the N mode, the traveling mode is switched from the N mode to the B mode by an operation in one direction of the shift lever (20) to a B operation position without requiring operations in two directions of the shift lever (20) to a D operation position. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a driver from experiencing difficulty in operating the shift lever (20) at the time of switching the traveling mode from the N mode to the B mode during forward coast traveling in the N mode.