Haptic Apparatus and Coaching Method for Improving Vehicle Fuel Economy

• US 20100030458A1
• Filed: 10/07/2009
• Published: 02/04/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Coughlin, Bill
• Granted Patent: US 8,290,697 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/123
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 40/09 Driving style or behaviour
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 50/16 Tactile feedback to the driver, e.g. vibration or force feedback to the driver on the steering wheel or the accelerator pedal
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/84 Data processing systems or methods, management, administration
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2003 Electrical actuator

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed that includes a haptic actuator operatively associated with a pedal assembly of the vehicle, a human-machine interface (HMI) for enabling the driver to select between a plurality of fuel savings settings, and a controller coupled to a data interface in the vehicle and the HMI interface for causing the haptic actuator to provide feedback to the driver when an aspect of vehicle operation crosses at least one of a plurality of speed and acceleration thresholds responsive to the HMI setting. Additionally, a coaching method provides haptic-based feedback that will not interfere with the operation of the vehicle. This method of closed-loop feedback provides a timely signal to the driver in a way that will encourage a change in driver style over time, such as backing off the accelerator pedal to accelerate at a lower rate and braking earlier with less intensity. As not all driver preferences are the same under all conditions, the HMI selector will help coach the driver by providing feedback that best fits their driving preference at the particular time.

Claims

1. An aftermarket apparatus for encouraging a driver of a vehicle to improve fuel economy, comprising:

a haptic actuator having a mounting to facilitate installation on an accelerator control assembly of said vehicle;

a connector configured to be removably coupled to a diagnostic port inside said vehicle; and

a controller in communication with said connector and said haptic actuator and configured to read a plurality of signals from said diagnostic port and energize said haptic actuator.

2. The aftermarket apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said controller is housed in a common enclosure with said connector.

3. The aftermarket apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of said signals is vehicle speed and said controller also energizes said haptic actuator to encourage the driver to leave more distance for braking.

4. The aftermarket apparatus according to claim 1, further including a human-machine interface in communication with said controller to enable the driver to select between a plurality of fuel saving settings of increasing fuel economy.

5. An apparatus for encouraging a driver of a vehicle to improve fuel economy, comprising:

a haptic actuator having a mounting to facilitate installation on an accelerator control assembly of said vehicle;

a connector configured to be removably coupled to a diagnostic port inside said vehicle; and

a controller in communication with said connector and said haptic actuator and configured to read a plurality of signals from said diagnostic port and energize said haptic actuator.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said controller is housed in a common enclosure with said connector.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein one of said signals is vehicle speed and said controller also energizes said haptic actuator to encourage the driver to leave more distance for braking.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5, further including a human-machine interface in communication with said controller to enable the driver to select between a plurality of fuel saving settings of increasing fuel economy.