RATE OF CONSUMPTION GAUGE WITH VARIABLE RATE OF CONSUMPTION LIMITS

摘要

The present invention provides an improved method and system to monitor vehicle operation state and operator requests. The invention combines into a single, easy to read, gauge information indicating the current vehicle operating state and the ability to increase power assist. This involves a display of instantaneous rate of consumption usage superimposed over the available rate of power consumption limits. The present invention can display whether an operator is requesting power assist, regenerative braking or battery charging while also showing the amount of power assist, regenerative braking or battery charging that is possible for the vehicle under present operating conditions. Through the use of a vehicle system controller (VSC) or similar type controller connected to the display of the present invention, the instantaneous rate of consumption usage or charge can be limited to the available rate of power consumption or charge limits. The invention can use analog needles or light emitting diodes in various configurations as well as adding warning lamps or chimes when the instantaneous rate of consumption usage approaches or exceeds the available rate of power consumption limits.