Accelerator Pedal Actuator for Predictive Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorists do not always achieve optimal energy or fuel consumption due to insufficiently anticipatory driving styles, leading to increased energy or fuel consumption as they fail to adjust speed promptly in response to road conditions and traffic situations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for anticipatory speed control of motor vehicles, utilizing environment sensors and map data combined with a satellite navigation system to determine the road conditions and vehicle position, which applies a counteracting force to the accelerator pedal through an actuator to signal the driver to adjust speed proactively, thereby reducing fuel consumption by avoiding unnecessary braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the driver maintains a reactive driving style without anticipatory speed adjustments, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the energy consumption increases due to frequent braking and acceleration cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary speed adjustments by applying counterforce to the accelerator pedal before the vehicle reaches conditions requiring emergency braking. The controller continuously monitors traffic situations and road conditions, and proactively reduces vehicle speed by limiting accelerator pedal actuation, thereby preventing energy-wasting brake-acceleration cycles before they occur.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the system applies counterforce to the accelerator pedal to enforce anticipatory speed reduction, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional actuators and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the existing accelerator pedal actuator mechanism, which is already present in modern vehicles for throttle control. By integrating the anticipatory speed control function into this existing component, the system achieves fuel consumption reduction without adding entirely new mechanical systems. The controller integrates multiple functions including traffic situation monitoring, road condition analysis, and speed control into a single control unit.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the driver is provided with continuous feedback signals to adjust speed, then the productivity of energy usage is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased driver workload
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs speed adjustments automatically without requiring direct driver intervention. The controller monitors traffic situations and road conditions, determines optimal speed adjustments, and applies counterforce to the accelerator pedal autonomously. This self-service approach reduces energy consumption while minimizing driver workload, as the system handles the anticipatory speed control tasks without requiring continuous driver attention or manual adjustments.
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 system effectively supports drivers in adopting a more anticipatory driving style, reducing energy consumption by enabling earlier adjustments to speed in response to road conditions and terrain, thereby minimizing the need for emergency braking and optimizing fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (28) assigned to this accelerator pedal (22), which is set up to specifically apply a counteracting force to the accelerator pedal (22), countering the force applied by the driver
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A control system for predictive speed control of a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: repeatedly determining and evaluating the traffic situation in front of the vehicle on the currently driven road, as well as the vehicle's position on the road; comparing the determined and evaluated traffic situation with the current driving situation of the vehicle;and to determine whether a reduction in the speed of the own vehicle, taking into account the determined traffic situation in front of the own vehicle at a specified distance in front of the own vehicle, is (i) beneficial to the traffic situation to a specified extent and (ii) can be reduced to a specified target speed without braking, taking into account the current speed of the own vehicle and the distance of the determined traffic situation from the own vehicle, and to apply a counterforce to the accelerator pedal against a force applied by the driver, depending on the determined traffic situation, which is to be dimensioned and/or modulated in the sense of signaling to the driver that he is reducing a force currently applied by him to the accelerator pedal.