DESC:FIELD
The present invention relates to control systems of vehicles.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Multi-terrain selecting means are provided in vehicles to overcome the challenges experienced by vehicles having single driving characteristics. However, the conventional multi-terrain selecting means comes with its own set of limitations. More specifically, the multi-terrain selecting means include limited driving modes, as a result of which the vehicle does not easily adapt to other road conditions. Therefore, the use of such vehicles are prohibited on paved roads or highways. Further, it has been observed that such selection means have complex interfaces which often challenge the user to choose various parameters related to the selected upcoming terrain. As a result, the vehicle having the conventional multi-terrain selecting means is unable to provide a diverse performance range as per the vehicle’s needs with respect to the upcoming terrain.
Therefore, there is a need for a multi-terrain mode system for a vehicle that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a multi-terrain mode selecting system for a vehicle.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a multi-terrain mode selecting system which includes a wide range of options of terrains.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a multi-terrain mode selecting system which has a user friendly interface.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a multi-terrain mode selecting system which provides a diverse performance range.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The multi-terrain mode selecting system comprises a plurality of control units, a plurality of sensing units, a user enablable mode selector, a human-machine interface (HMI) unit, and a set of actuators.
Each control unit comprises a repository configured to store a look up table having a list of prestored threshold values of critical parameters for each terrain, a crawler and extractor unit configured to cooperate with the repository, a first converter, and a computation unit configured to cooperate with the crawler and extractor unit and the first converter.
The plurality of sensing units is configured to monitor critical parameters of the vehicle, and is further configured to generate a plurality of sensed signals. The first converter is configured to receive the sensed signals, and is further configured to convert the sensed signals to sensed values.
The user enablable mode selector is configured to receive an input corresponding to a selected upcoming terrain mode, and is further configured to generate an input signal.
The human-machine interface (HMI) unit is configured to cooperate with the mode selector to receive the input signal, and is further configured to transmit the input signal to the crawler and extractor unit. Upon receiving the input signal, the crawler and extractor unit is configured to crawl through the lookup table to extract the prestored threshold values of critical parameters corresponding to the received input signal. The comparator is configured to receive the sensed values and the prestored threshold values. The comparator is further configured to compare the sensed values and the prestored threshold values to generate a plurality of actuating signals.
The set of actuators is connected to different components of the vehicle. The actuators are configured to cooperate with the control units to receive the actuating signals. The actuators are further configured to actuate the components to drive the vehicle in the selected terrain mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A multi-terrain mode selecting system, of the present disclosure, for a vehicle for food and feed samples will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the system of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram depicting the actuation of a first actuator by a first control unit based on the inputs received from a mode selector and a first sensing unit of the system of Figure 1;
Figure 3A illustrates a graphical illustration of different parameters achieved by the system for different terrains; and
Figure 3B illustrates a flow chart depicting the working of the system of Figure 1.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 multi-terrain mode selecting system
102 human-machine interface unit
104 user enablable mode selector
106A, 106B... 106n sensing unit
108A, 108B... 108n control unit
110A, 110B... 110n actuator
112 repository
114 crawler and extractor unit
116 first converter
118 computation unit
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, “includes” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
A multi-terrain mode selecting system (100), of the present disclosure, for a vehicle will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 3B.
The multi-terrain mode selecting system (100) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the system (100)’) comprises a plurality of control units (108A, 108B... 108n), a plurality of sensing units (106A, 106B... 106n), a user enablable mode selector (104), a human-machine interface (HMI) unit (102), and a set of actuators (110A, 110B... 110n).
Each control unit (108A, 108B... 108n) comprises a repository (112) configured to store a look up table having a list of prestored threshold values of critical parameters for each terrain, a crawler and extractor unit (114) configured to cooperate with the repository (112), a first converter (116), and a computation unit (118) configured to cooperate with the crawler and extractor unit (114) and the first converter (116).
The plurality of sensing units (106A, 106B... 106n) is configured to monitor critical parameters of the vehicle, and is further configured to generate a plurality of sensed signals. The first converter (116) is configured to receive the sensed signals, and is further configured to convert the sensed signals to sensed values.
The user enablable mode selector (104) is configured to receive an input corresponding to a selected upcoming terrain mode, and is further configured to generate an input signal.
The human-machine interface (HMI) unit (102) is configured to cooperate with the mode selector (104) to receive the input signal, and is further configured to transmit the input signal to the crawler and extractor unit (114). Upon receiving the input signal, the crawler and extractor unit (114) is configured to crawl through the lookup table to extract the prestored threshold values of critical parameters corresponding to the received input signal. The comparator (118) is configured to receive the sensed values and the prestored threshold values. The comparator (118) is further configured to compare the sensed values and the prestored threshold values to generate a plurality of actuating signals.
The set of actuators (110A, 110B... 110n) is connected to different components of the vehicle. The actuators (110A, 110B... 110n) is configured to cooperate with the control units (108A, 108B... 108n) to receive the actuating signals. The actuators (110A, 110B... 110n) are further configured to actuate the components to drive the vehicle in the selected terrain mode.
In one embodiment, the sensing units (106A, 106B... 106n) and the control unit together form a feedback system. More specifically, the sensing units (106A, 106B... 106n) keep monitoring the critical parameters. Based on the sensed signals, the comparators of the control units (108A, 108B... 108n) keep comparing the sensed values with the prestored values. Once, the sensed values are equal to the prestored values, the control units (108A, 108B... 108n) send command signals that signify that the selected terrain mode has been achieved, and the vehicle is ready to traverse the upcoming terrain.
In one embodiment, the HMI unit (102) includes a display unit (not shown in figures) configured to cooperate with the user enablable mode selector (104) to display the selected terrain. The display unit is further configured to cooperate with the control unit (108A, 108B... 108n) to receive the command signals to display that the vehicle is being driven at the selected terrain mode.
In an embodiment, the critical parameters are selected from the group consisting of engine response, traction control, stability calibration, braking force, steering angle, anti-skid, or a combination thereof.
In an embodiment, each of the second sensing unit (106A, 106B... 106n) includes a sensor and a converter. The sensor is configured to monitor a parameter of the set of critical parameters. The sensor is further configured to generate a sensed value. The converter is coupled to the sensor. The converter is configured to receive the sensed value, and is further configured to convert the sensed value to the second sensed signal.
In another embodiment, the sensor is configured to continuously generate the sensed value.
In yet another embodiment, the second converter is an analog-digital converter.
In an embodiment, the control units are selected from the group consisting of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit, Engine Management System (EMS) unit, Transmission Control unit (TCU), Transfer Case Module (TC) unit, Intelligent Command Centre (ICC) unit, Electric Power Steering (EPS) unit, and Cluster (IC) unit.
In another embodiment, the mode selector (104) is selected from the group consisting of toggle, switch, button, haptic feedback, thought generators, and voice activated switches.
In an embodiment, the terrains include freeways, expressways, highways, arterial roads, earth roads, gravel roads, muddy roads, paved roads, unpaved roads, hilly terrains, grasslands, sandy terrains, snowy terrains, and the like.
In an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is being driven on a paved road. Considering four critical parameters, the vehicle includes four sensing units (106A, 106B, 106C, 106D) which continuously monitor the critical parameters of the vehicle and generate sensed signals (S1, S2, S3, S4). The first converters of the control units (108A, 108B, 108c, 108D) receive the sensed signals (S1, S2, S3, S4) and convert the sensed signals (S1, S2, S3, S4) into sensed values sensed signals (SV1, SV2, SV3, SV4).
At a particular stretch, the road extends into a sandy terrain, at which point a user feels the need to change the terrain mode to sand terrain as the vehicle approaches the sandy terrain. The user will hence, use the user enablable mode selector (104) to choose the sand terrain mode. Accordingly, the mode selector (104) generates an input signal (T3) that corresponds to the sandy terrain. The input signal (T3) is transmitted to the HMI unit (102). The crawler and extractor units (114) of the control units (108A, 108B, 108C, 108D) receive the input signal (T3) from the HMI unit (102), and crawls through the lookup table to extract the prestored threshold values (V, V2, V3, V4) of critical parameters corresponding to the input signal (T3). The comparator receives and compares the sensed signals (SV1, SV2, SV3, SV4) and the prestored threshold values (V, V2, V3, V4) to generate the actuating signals that are received by the actuators (110A, 110B... 110n) to actuate different components to drive the vehicle in the selected terrain mode.
In an embodiment, the system (100) includes a fail-safe mechanism. The fail-safe mechanism is configured to ensure that the possible failures are effectively handled by the ECUs.
In accordance with an embodiment, the system (100) is configured to add a terrain mode not originally set (not originally preset in factory mode) in the repository and in the input module (104). In another embodiment, the system (100) includes a learning and training module (not shown in figures) configured to cooperate with the control unit (108A, 108B… 108n) for identifying the terrains and determining the prestored threshold values of critical parameters for different terrains. These learned prestored threshold values can be used later when such terrains that are not originally set. The system (100) provides a user-friendly interface having a wide range of terrain options that facilitates change in terrain mode of the vehicle and its parameters, as a result of which the performance range of the vehicle is vastly improved.
The functions described herein may be implemented in a hardware, a software executed by a first converter (116), a firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in a software executed by a first converter (116), the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a first converter (116), hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a multi-terrain mode selecting system for a vehicle, which:
? includes a wide range of options of terrains;
? has a user friendly interface; and
? provides a diverse performance range.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of materials, implants, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A multi-terrain mode selecting system (100) for a vehicle, said system (100) comprising:
• a plurality of control units (108A, 108B... 108n), each control unit (108A, 108B... 108n) comprising:
o a repository (112) configured to store a look up table having a list of prestored threshold values of critical parameters for each terrain,
o a crawler and extractor unit (114) configured to cooperate with said repository (112),
o a first converter (116), and
o a computation unit (118) configured to cooperate with said crawler and extractor unit (114) and said first converter (116);
• a plurality of sensing units (106A, 106B... 106n) configured to monitor critical parameters of the vehicle, and further configured to generate a plurality of sensed signals,
wherein said first converter (116) is configured to receive said sensed signals, and is further configured to convert said sensed signals to sensed values;
• a user enablable mode selector (104) configured to receive an input corresponding to a selected upcoming terrain mode, and further configured to generate an input signal;
• a human-machine interface (HMI) unit (102) configured to cooperate with said mode selector (104) to receive said input signal, and further configured to transmit said input signal to said crawler and extractor unit (114),
wherein said crawler and extractor unit (114) is configured to crawl through said lookup table to extract said prestored threshold values of critical parameters corresponding to said received input signal, and
wherein said comparator (118) is configured to receive said sensed values and said prestored threshold values, and is further configured to compare said sensed values and said prestored threshold values to generate a plurality of actuating signals;
• a set of actuators (110A, 110B... 110n) connected to different components of the vehicle, said actuators (110A, 110B... 110n) configured to cooperate with said control units (108A, 108B... 108n) to receive said actuating signals, and further configured to actuate said components to drive the vehicle in said selected terrain mode.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said critical parameters are selected from the group consisting of engine response, traction control, stability calibration, or a combination thereof.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said second sensing unit (106A, 106B... 106n) includes:
• a sensor configured to monitor a parameter of said set of critical parameters, and further configured to generate a sensed value; and
• a second converter coupled to said sensor, said converter configured to receive said sensed value, and further configured to convert said sensed value to said second sensed signal.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said sensor is configured to continuously generate said sensed value.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second converter is an analog-digital converter.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control units are selected from the group consisting of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit, Engine Management System (EMS) unit, Transmission Control unit (TCU), Transfer Case Module (TC) unit, Intelligent Command Centre (ICC) unit, Electric Power Steering (EPS) unit, and Cluster (IC) unit.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mode selector (104) is selected from the group consisting of toggle, switch, button, haptic feedback, thought generators, and voice activated switches.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said HMI unit (102) includes a display unit configured to cooperate with said user enablable mode selector (104) to display the selected upcoming terrain, and further configured to cooperate with said control unit (108A, 108B... 108n) to receive said actuating signal to display the terrain at which the vehicle is being driven.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said terrains include freeways, expressways, highways, arterial roads, earth roads, gravel roads, muddy roads, paved roads, unpaved roads, hilly terrains, grasslands, sandy terrains, snowy terrains, and the like.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a learning and training module configured to cooperate with said control unit (108, 108B... 108n) to identify a terrain originally not set in said repository (112), and further configured to determine threshold values of critical parameters corresponding to the terrain.
Dated this 24th day of May, 2023

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K. DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant