Vehicle Acceleration Pedal Actuator for Driver Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle acceleration pedals lack effective mechanisms to warn drivers of diverse driving situations, such as low fuel efficiency, proximity to other vehicles, lane deviation, and driver fatigue, which can lead to accidents.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling the acceleration pedal that includes selecting a control mode based on driving conditions, using an actuator with an actuating rod to apply vibration or increased pedal effort, and automatically stopping the control mode when the driver responds or a predetermined time elapses, thereby alerting the driver through vibration, pedal effort, or tick modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an actuator is added to the acceleration pedal to provide vibration or increased pedal effort for driver warnings, then driver safety and awareness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is integrated into the existing acceleration pedal assembly, combining the warning function with the pedal structure. The actuator shares mounting space and control systems with the pedal, reducing overall system complexity despite adding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves multiple functions: it can provide vibration warnings, increased pedal effort, or both simultaneously depending on the driving situation. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single device that can operate in different modes, reducing the need for multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If the control mode provides continuous vibration or increased pedal effort, then driver warning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator operates in periodic vibration mode rather than continuous operation. The control unit activates the actuator in repeated cycles, providing tactile feedback to the driver while allowing energy-saving intervals between activation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the actuator operation between vibration mode and pedal effort mode based on real-time driving conditions and driver response detection, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining warning effectiveness.
3Reliability
If the control mode is activated for extended periods, then driver awareness is maintained, but driver annoyance and distraction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic activation with defined duty cycles, turning the actuator on and off in controlled intervals. This prevents continuous stimulation that could annoy or distract the driver while maintaining sufficient warning effectiveness during critical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors driver response to the warning signal and adjusts the duration and intensity of actuator activation accordingly. When the driver responds appropriately, the control unit reduces or stops actuator operation, preventing excessive distraction while ensuring adequate warning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively warns drivers of hazardous situations, improving fuel efficiency, preventing accidents, and enhancing driving safety by alerting them to potential dangers through tactile feedback.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator with an actuating rod to apply vibration or increased pedal effort
Implementation Method 2
repetitively hits the acceleration pedal to give the vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A method controls an acceleration pedal of a vehicle that calls a driver's attention by causing vibration or increasing pedal effort in the acceleration pedal according to diversified driving situations. The method includes selecting a control mode of selecting, by a driver, a control mode given to the acceleration pedal, judging an eco red state of judging whether the vehicle is driven for a predetermined time in the eco red state, and executing the control mode of giving the control mode selected at the selecting of the control mode to the acceleration pedal when it is judged that the vehicle is driven for the predetermined time in the eco red state at the judging of the eco red state.