Vehicle with magnetic coupler and wake-up switch and method of use thereof

Abstract

A vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an electronic control unit and a pedal assembly. The electronic control unit is selectively switched between a de-energized state and an energized state. The pedal assembly includes a pedal arm, a target, and a switch. The pedal arm moves between a plurality of positions. The target moves with movement of the pedal arm. The target generates a magnetic field strength. The switch activates when the magnetic field strength of the target exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the switch activates, a signal is sent to the electronic control unit to activate the electronic control unit from the de-energized state to the energized state.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 237,861, filed on August 27, 2021, entitled “Passive Pedal Force Emulator Assemblies,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This article generally relates to systems and methods for activating electronic control units. Background Technology

[0004] Vehicles are typically equipped with at least one electronic control unit (ECU). An ECU may include a processor, a database, and memory to execute a predetermined logical program. These ECUs draw power from a battery or otherwise. To conserve power, an ECU can be programmed to transition from a powered-on state to a powered-off state when the vehicle is not in operation. Accordingly, when an ECU is in a powered-off state, it needs to be instructed to transition to a powered-on state. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an electronic control unit and a pedal assembly. The electronic control unit selectively switches between a power-off state and a power-on state. The pedal assembly includes a pedal arm, a target, and a switch. The pedal arm moves between multiple positions. The target moves with the pedal arm. The target generates a magnetic field strength. When the magnetic field strength of the target exceeds a predetermined threshold, the switch is activated. When the switch is activated, a signal is sent to the electronic control unit to activate the electronic control unit from a power-off state to a power-on state.

[0006] In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a vehicle. The vehicle includes an electronic control unit and a pedal assembly. The electronic control unit selectively switches between a power-off state and a power-on state. The pedal assembly includes a pedal arm, a target, and a switch. The pedal arm moves between multiple positions. The target moves with the pedal arm. The target generates a magnetic field strength. When the magnetic field strength of the target exceeds a predetermined threshold, the switch is activated. When the switch is activated, a signal is sent to the electronic control unit to activate the electronic control unit from a power-off state to a power-on state.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method is provided for activating an electronic control unit from a power-off state to a power-on state. The method includes pressing a pedal pad of a pedal assembly to move a target between multiple positions, the target generating a magnetic field strength; activating a switch when the magnetic field strength of the target exceeds a predetermined threshold; and transmitting a signal from the switch to the electronic control unit. When the signal is sent to the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit is activated to a power-on state.

[0008] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in light of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The embodiments presented in the accompanying drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments will be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein the same structures are indicated by the same reference numerals, and wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 A top view schematically illustrates an example pedal assembly and an example electronic control unit of an example vehicle according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0011] Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 A perspective view of an example pedal assembly according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0012] Figure 3 schematically shown Figure 2 A partially exploded view of a pedal assembly according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

[0013] Figure 4 schematically shown Figure 3 A perspective view of a target and printed circuit assembly according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

[0014] Figure 5 schematically shown Figure 4 A top view of a target and printed circuit assembly according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

[0015] Figure 6 schematically shown Figure 4 A separate view of a printed circuit assembly according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0016] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an illustrative method for activating an electronic control unit from a power-off state to a power-on state according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is presented. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The embodiments described herein generally refer to a vehicle having an electronic control unit configured to change states between a power-off state and a power-on state depending on the vehicle's operating state. The vehicle also includes a pedal assembly. The pedal assembly includes a pedal arm that moves between multiple positions, a coupler or target that moves with the pedal arm, and a printed circuit assembly. The target is magnetic and generates a magnetic field strength. The printed circuit assembly includes a chip and a sensor assembly. The chip acts as a switch, which is self-activated when the magnetic field strength generated by the target exceeds a predetermined threshold. The magnetic field strength generated by the target switch increases and decreases according to the movement of the pedal pad caused by the force applied to it by the user pressing and releasing the pedal pad. Thus, when the user presses down on the pedal pad, the pedal arm moves, causing the target to move or rotate, which in turn changes the generated magnetic field strength.

[0018] When the target rotates a predetermined amount, the resulting magnetic field strength exceeds a predetermined threshold, which is then sensed by a switch. In response, the switch self-activates and sends an activation signal to the vehicle-side electronic control unit (ECU). The activation signal activates the ECU, switching it from a currently de-energized state to an energized state. Simultaneously, while the ECU is energized, the target's motion is sensed by sensors in the sensor assembly to determine the amount of motion, such as rotation, which represents the magnitude of the force applied to the pedal pad. The ECU uses these sensed values ​​to control the vehicle's operation, such as the magnitude of the braking force applied to the wheels.

[0019] Thus, the improvement over the conventional system lies in the fact that a target is used to determine when the pedal is pressed down a predetermined amount to generate a magnetic field strength sensed by a switch, thereby self-activating and also activating the electronic control unit. Furthermore, the target is also sensed by an angle sensor to determine its movement, such as its angular position, which indicates the pressure applied to the pedal pad, allowing the electronic control unit to responsively control various vehicle components. Therefore, by sharing the same target, interference is eliminated compared to switches and angle sensors using their own separate magnetic targets. Further improvements to the conventional system will be readily apparent and are described in more detail herein.

[0020] As used herein, the term "communicationally coupled" means that coupled components can exchange data signals and / or electrical signals with each other, for example, by exchanging electrical signals via a conductive medium, electromagnetic signals via air, optical signals via an optical waveguide, electrical energy via a conductive or non-conductive medium, etc.

[0021] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1Example vehicle 10 is schematically shown. Example vehicle 10 can typically be any vehicle having a pedal assembly 12 and one or more on-board computing devices, particularly any computing device containing hardware for processing data, storing data, operating vehicle components, etc. The one or more on-board computing devices can be electronic control units 14.

[0022] According to the embodiments shown and described herein, the electronic control unit 14 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable programming instructions for performing various processes, embodied in hardware, software, and / or firmware. While in some embodiments the electronic control unit 14 may be configured as a general-purpose computer with the necessary hardware, software, and / or firmware, in other embodiments the electronic control unit 14 may also be configured as a dedicated computer specifically designed to perform various functions of the vehicle 10. For example, the electronic control unit 14 may be a device specifically adapted to obtain sensing data from the pedal assembly 12 and instruct other components of the vehicle 10 to respond. For example, based on sensing data from the pedal assembly 12, the electronic control unit 14 may increase the braking force of the vehicle 10. It should be understood that, for illustrative purposes only, the brake pedal of the pedal assembly is depicted as communicatively coupled to the electronic control unit 14. This is not limiting; the accelerator pedal, clutch pedal, and / or combinations of the brake pedal, accelerator pedal, and clutch pedal may be communicatively coupled to the electronic control unit 14 individually or in series.

[0023] The electronic control unit 14 can be configured to selectively switch, change, or toggle between a power-off state and a power-on state for reasons of power consumption. The electronic control unit 14 can selectively switch, change, or toggle its state based on the operation of the vehicle 10. For example, a power-off state could typically be when the vehicle 10 is not in use, while a power-on state is when the vehicle is in use and therefore the electronic control unit 14 is required to perform vehicle operation and control.

[0024] Thus, the electronic control unit 14 may include a processor 16, such as a computer processing unit (CPU), which may be the central processing unit of the electronic control unit 14, performing calculations and logical operations to execute programs. The processor 16, alone or in combination with other components, is an illustrative processing device, computing device, processor, or combination thereof. The processor 16 may include any processing unit configured to receive and execute instructions (such as from storage unit 18).

[0025] In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 14 may include a storage component 18 configured as a volatile and / or non-volatile computer-readable medium, and thus may include random access memory (including SRAM, DRAM and / or other types of random access memory), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, registers, optical disc (CD), digital versatile optical disc (DVD), and / or other types of storage components. Furthermore, the storage component 18 may be a non-transitory, processor-readable memory. The storage component 18 may include one or more programming instructions thereon that, when executed by the processor 16, cause the processor 16 to perform various processes, such as executing the power-on state of the electronic control unit 14.

[0026] The programming instructions stored on storage unit 18 can be embodied as one or more software logic modules 20, each logic module 20 providing programming instructions for performing one or more tasks related to the operation of vehicle 10. Logic module 20 includes multiple different logic segments, each of which can be embodied as a computer program, firmware, and / or software / hardware, which can be executed by processor 16.

[0027] Now for reference Figures 2 to 3 The pedal assembly 12 includes a housing 22, a pedal arm assembly 24, and an interface 26. The pedal arm assembly 24 includes a pedal arm 28, which includes a pedal pad end 30a and a pivot end 30b. Further, the pedal arm 28 includes a first surface 32a and an opposing second surface 32b, and a pair of side surfaces 32c, 32d defining the thickness of the pedal arm 28. In some embodiments, the pedal arm 28 is typically formed in an L-shape. In other embodiments, the pedal arm 28 can be of different shapes, such as J or T-shaped. The pivot end 30b is pivotally connected to the housing 22 about a pivot axis P1, such as... Figure 3 As best shown. The pedal pad end 30a receives the pedal pad 34, which the user 15 presses against to brake, accelerate, and / or activate clutch control. The housing 22 includes an opening 36 for receiving a portion of the pedal arm 28.

[0028] The housing 22 and / or pedal arm 28 can be molded plastic parts. For example, the housing 22 and / or pedal arm 28 can be formed from various materials, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), nylon, polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polystyrene, PEEK, POM (acetal / polyoxymethylene resin (Delrin)), polyethylene terephthalate, thermoplastic elastomers, polyetherimides, thermoplastic vulcanizates, polysulfone, and combinations thereof. Additionally, additives such as UV absorbers, flame retardants, colorants, glass fibers, plasticizers, etc., can be added.

[0029] In some embodiments, the housing 22 and / or pedal arm 28 may be formed by injection molding. In some embodiments, the housing 22 and / or pedal arm 28 may be formed by additive manufacturing techniques. Additive manufacturing techniques generally refer to a manufacturing process in which continuous layers of material are stacked on top of each other to “build” a three-dimensional component layer by layer. Continuous layers are typically fused together to form a monolithic part, which may have multiple constituent sub-parts. Although additive manufacturing techniques are described herein as capable of manufacturing complex objects by typically building objects point by point, layer by layer in a vertical direction, other manufacturing methods are possible and within the scope of this subject matter. For example, although the discussion herein involves adding material to form continuous layers, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and structures disclosed herein can be practiced with any additive manufacturing technique. For example, embodiments of the invention may use layer-addition processes, layer-subtraction processes, or hybrid processes.

[0030] The housing 22 may be floor-mounted. That is, in some embodiments, the housing 22 may be attached or mounted to be placed within the floor surface of the vehicle 10 or extend from the ground surface of the vehicle 10. Figure 1 Therefore, housing 22 accommodates pedal arm 28 when fully depressed to allow pedal pad 34 to move fully.

[0031] Now for reference Figures 4 to 6 Also refer to Figures 2 to 3 Interface 26 houses a first sensing component 42 for detecting or sensing the motion of the target 40 or coupler, and a second sensing component 54 for detecting the magnetic field strength. Therefore, both the first sensing component 42 and the second sensing component 54 utilize the Hall effect technique.

[0032] A target 40 is positioned at the pivot end 30b of the pedal arm 28. The target 40 may be mounted or attached to the pivot end 30b of the pedal arm 28 in a region adjacent to and perpendicular to the pivot axis P. In some embodiments, the target 40 is over-molded about the pivot axis P for movement, such as rotating or pivoting as the pedal arm 28 moves. In some embodiments, the target 40 may be a four-polediametrical annular magnet. In other embodiments, the target 40 may be a bipolar radial magnet and / or a magnet having various other shapes such as rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. In some embodiments, the target 40 may move, such as rotating or pivoting as the pedal pad 34 of the pedal arm 28 moves. In other embodiments, the target 40 may move in a linear direction.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first sensing component 42 and the second sensing component use or share a printed circuit assembly 44. The printed circuit assembly 44 may include a circuit board 48 (or printed circuit board) and a plurality of discrete electrical components 49 mounted therein to perform a plurality of electrical functions. The first sensing component 42 may include at least one Hall effect chip 50 and a plurality of terminal pins 52 extending therefrom. In some embodiments, the at least one Hall effect chip 50 may be an angular position sensor. In other embodiments, the at least one Hall effect chip 50 may be other sensor types, such as a linear position sensor. A portion of the plurality of terminal pins 52 may be received by a connector housing 46 of interface 26. The connector housing 46 is adapted to receive a complementary connector on the vehicle side to communicatively couple the at least one Hall effect chip 50 to the electronic control unit 14, as discussed in more detail herein.

[0034] The at least one Hall effect chip 50 is sensitive to the Hall effect detection of magnetic changes in the in-plane magnetic field component. Thus, the at least one Hall effect chip 50 can be an angular position sensor, which senses the angular motion of the target 40 by sensing changes in the in-plane magnetic field component. Furthermore, the at least one Hall effect chip 50 can convert the displacement, linear measurement, and / or angular measurement of the target 40's position into electronic or electromagnetic signals. This information and / or data is transmitted to the electronic control unit 14 for processing via the plurality of terminal pins 52.

[0035] The second sensing component 54 senses the magnetic field strength generated by the target 40. The second sensing component 54 includes a chip serving as a switch 56 configured to detect the magnetic field strength generated by the target 40. The switch 56 is spaced apart from the at least one Hall effect chip 50 and has a plurality of terminal pins 58 extending therefrom, these terminal pins being independent of the terminal pins 52 for the at least one Hall effect chip 50. The switch 56 is placed on a circuit board 48 of a printed circuit assembly 44 and includes a second connector housing 60 receiving at least a portion of the plurality of terminal pins 58. The second connector housing 60 is adapted to receive a complementary connector on the vehicle side to communicatively couple the switch 56 to an electronic control unit 14, as discussed in more detail herein.

[0036] Now for reference Figure 3 and Figure 6 The switch 56 and the at least one Hall effect chip 50 are spaced apart by a distance D and aligned along the same axis, as shown by reference numeral 62. When the pedal pad 34 is pressed down, the pedal arm 28 rotates the target 40, which changes the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic material of the target 40. Thus, the more force applied to the pedal pad 34, the more the target 40 rotates, which in turn increases the strength of the generated magnetic field.

[0037] Now let's go back and refer to it. Figures 3 to 6 In some embodiments, switch 56 is sensitive to Hall effect detection of magnetic changes in the vertical magnetic field component. In other embodiments, switch 56 may be configured to detect rotation of target 40 and / or may be configured to find a specific initial angle (e.g., keyed).

[0038] When the magnetic field strength generated by the target 40 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the switch 56 is configured to self-activate and generate a signal or convert the displacement or vertical measurement of the target 40 into an electronic or electromagnetic signal. This information and / or data is transmitted to the electronic control unit 14 via the plurality of terminal pins 58 as an activation signal, which causes the electronic control unit 14 to transition from an initial power-off state or change its state to an operating or power-on state. That is, the switch 56, for example, determines that there is a change in the magnetic field generated by the target 40 exceeding a predetermined threshold and / or senses that the angle of the target 40 exceeds a predetermined angle threshold, and then, in turn, self-activates and transmits an activation signal to the electronic control unit 14 to wake up the electronic control unit 14. Thus, the switch 56 serves as a wake-up switch for the electronic control unit 14.

[0039] The target 40 can be placed adjacent to the at least one Hall effect chip 50 and the switch 56. The target 40 can be spaced apart, or an air gap can be provided between the target 40 and the at least one Hall effect chip 50 and the switch 56, such as... Figure 4The middle arrow G is optimally indicated. In some embodiments, the space or air gap between the target 40 and the at least one Hall effect chip 50 and the switch 56 is between 1.5 and 3 mm. This is not limiting, and the air gap can vary. That is, the air gap between the target 40 and the at least one Hall effect chip 50 and the switch 56 can be greater than 3 mm and / or less than 1.5 mm.

[0040] A portion of the first sensing component 42 and a portion of the second sensing component 54 may be re-molded to encapsulate electronic components, and may include solderless connections between the printed circuit assembly 44 and the plurality of terminal pins 52 and / or the plurality of terminal sockets 58, such as compliant via pins. For example, the first sensing component 42 and the second sensing component 54 may be re-molded in an interface 26, which is then mounted or coupled to the housing 22.

[0041] It should be understood that the first sensing component 42 and the second sensing component 54 simultaneously determine the motion of the target 40 using the different sensing techniques described above. That is, the switch 56 determines the magnetic field strength by sensing the vertical magnetic field component, while the at least one Hall effect chip 50 senses the motion of the target 40, such as angular motion, by sensing the in-plane magnetic field component.

[0042] Now return to the reference Figures 1 to 6 And refer to Figure 7 A flowchart of an illustrative method 700 for activating an electronic control unit from a power-off state to a power-on state is shown.

[0043] At box 705, the electronic control unit 14 is in a de-energized state. At box 710, the user 15 presses down on the pedal pad 34, which then moves or pivots the pedal arm 28. In response, at box 715, the target 40 moves between multiple positions. These multiple positions of the target 40 correspond to the magnitude of the force or pressure applied by the user 15 to the pedal pad 34. The target 40 may be a quadrupole radial annular magnet. Because the target 40 is made of a magnetic material with poles, the target 40 generates or influences a magnetic field, which depends on which pole is influencing the magnetic field. Thus, changes or influences in the magnetic field can correspond to specific poles and can be used to affect the strength of the magnetic field.

[0044] At box 720, switch 56 determines whether the magnetic field strength is greater than a threshold level. If the magnetic field strength is determined to be less than the threshold level, method 700 returns to box 710, where user 15 may need to press the pedal pad 34 further down. On the other hand, if the magnetic field strength is equal to or greater than the threshold level, at box 725, switch 56 is self-activated and transmits an activation signal from switch 56 to electronic control unit 14. In response to receiving the activation signal, at box 730, electronic control unit 14 is activated. That is, electronic control unit 14 transitions from a power-off state or changes its state to a power-on state. Thus, pressing the pedal pad 34 down by a predetermined amount provides the necessary change in magnetic field strength, which in turn provides an activation signal from switch 56 to activate electronic control unit 14, allowing electronic control unit 14 to perform the operations required to operate vehicle 10.

[0045] Once the electronic control unit 14 is powered on, at block 735, the first sensing component 42 determines whether movement of the target 40 is detected. This movement can be linear, angular, etc. If no movement of the target is detected, at block 740, the first sensing component 42 waits for the pedal pad 34 to be pressed down, and continuously cycles with block 735. On the other hand, at block 735, when the first sensing component 42 determines that movement of the target 40 exists, at block 745, the first sensing assembly 42 transmits a signal indicating the rotation angle of the target 40 from the at least one Hall effect chip 50 (angle sensor) to the electronic control unit 14.

[0046] With the electronic control unit 14 powered on, blocks 735 to 745 continuously cycle to determine when the user 15 applies force to the pedal pad 34, so that the electronic control unit 14 can provide instructions or commands to the appropriate components of the vehicle 10. For example, the braking components of the vehicle 10 can be activated based on the amount of motion of the target 40 sensed by the first sensing component 42.

[0047] When the electronic control unit 14 is in a de-energized state, blocks 710 to 730 continuously cycle to determine when the user 15 applies force to the pedal pad 34, so that the electronic control unit 14 can receive an activation signal from switch 56 to change the electronic control unit 14 from a de-energized state to an energized state. For example, when the user wants to use the vehicle 10, the electronic control unit 14 needs to be activated. By pressing down the pedal pad by a predetermined amount, the electronic control unit 14 is awakened or awakened from a de-energized state to an energized state.

[0048] Therefore, it should be understood that the same printed circuit assembly 44, interface 26 and target 40 are used to monitor the magnetic field strength when the electronic control unit 14 is in a de-energized state and to determine the angular rotation of the target 40 when the electronic control unit 14 is in a energized state.

[0049] It should now be understood that the methods and systems described herein can function to allow a user to activate or deactivate the vehicle-side electronic control unit by pressing down the pedal pad of the vehicle's pedal assembly a predetermined distance or by applying a predetermined amount of force. A target moves or rotates in response to the force on the pedal pad, and a chip acting as a switch is activated when the magnetic field strength generated by the target exceeds a predetermined threshold. The sensor assembly includes an angle sensor that senses the angular motion of the target. When the target is moved, for example, by a predetermined amount through rotation, causing the generated magnetic field strength to exceed the predetermined threshold, the switch is automatically activated and sends an activation signal to the vehicle-side electronic control unit, which in turn activates the electronic control unit from a currently de-energized state to an energized state. Therefore, by sharing the same target, interference is eliminated compared to switches and angle sensors using their own separate magnetic targets.

[0050] While specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, these aspects need not be used in combination. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: An electronic control unit that selectively switches between a power-off state and a power-on state; and The pedal assembly includes: The pedal arm moves between multiple positions. A target that moves with the movement of the pedal arm generates a magnetic field strength; and A switch is activated when the magnetic field strength of the target exceeds a predetermined threshold, wherein when the switch is activated, a signal is sent to the electronic control unit to activate the electronic control unit from the power-off state to the power-on state.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the switch is a Hall effect device.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the pedal assembly further comprises: A sensor assembly having an angle sensor that senses the movement of the pedal arm.

4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the electronic control unit is communicatively coupled to the angle sensor to determine the motion of the target.

5. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the angle sensor senses the in-plane magnetic field component generated by the target to sense the movement of the pedal arm.

6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the electronic control unit determines the motion of the target by means of the in-plane magnetic field component generated by the target sensed by the angle sensor.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the target is formed of a magnetic material.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the magnetic material is a 4-pole radial ring magnet.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the switch detects the vertical magnetic field component.

10. A system comprising: Vehicles, which have: An electronic control unit that selectively switches between a power-off state and a power-on state; and The pedal assembly includes: The pedal arm moves between multiple positions. A target that moves with the movement of the pedal arm generates a magnetic field strength; and The switch is activated when the magnetic field strength of the target exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the switch is activated, a signal is sent to the electronic control unit to activate the electronic control unit from the power-off state to the power-on state.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the pedal assembly further comprises: Sensor assembly, comprising: An angle sensor that senses the motion of the target; and The electronic control unit is communicatively coupled to the angle sensor to determine the motion of the target based on the motion sensed by the angle sensor.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the electronic control unit determines the motion of the target by determining the in-plane magnetic field component generated by the target.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the switch detects the vertical magnetic field component.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the target is formed of a magnetic material.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the magnetic material is a 4-pole radial ring magnet.

16. A method for activating an electronic control unit from a power-off state to a power-on state, the method comprising: The pedal arm of the pedal assembly is pressed down to move a target between multiple positions, the target generating a magnetic field strength; The switch is activated when the magnetic field strength of the target exceeds a predetermined threshold. The signal is transmitted from the switch to the electronic control unit. When the signal is sent to the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit is activated to the power-on state.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the pedal assembly further comprises: A sensor assembly having an angle sensor for sensing the motion of a target and an electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the angle sensor to determine the motion of the target based on the motion sensed by the angle sensor.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the electronic control unit determines the motion of the target by determining the in-plane magnetic field component generated by the target.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the switch detects the vertical magnetic field component.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the target is composed of a 4-pole radial ring magnet.

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