Accelerator Pedal Secondary Surface for Integrated Braking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle control systems are inconvenient and prone to failure, particularly in emergency braking situations, as they require drivers to physically switch between the accelerator and brake pedals, leading to longer reaction times and tiring in non-emergency 'stop-start' traffic conditions, and are difficult to calibrate and customize.
Innovation Solution
A modular electronic braking system with a secondary reaction surface attached to the accelerator pedal, which allows for the application of braking force through the accelerator pedal, utilizing a control module and servomotor to vary the brake pedal's depression and apply braking force, enabling quicker and more efficient braking by reducing the need for manual pedal transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional braking systems are used, then the braking system is simple and reliable, but the reaction time is long due to physical pedal transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the accelerator pedal and brake pedal functions into a single pedal assembly. The accelerator pedal includes both an accelerator portion and a brake portion, allowing the driver to control both acceleration and braking through one pedal, eliminating the need for physical pedal transfer and reducing reaction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pedal assembly serves multiple functions: it can be used for acceleration, braking, and coasting. The brake portion of the accelerator pedal enables braking operation without requiring the driver to switch to a separate brake pedal, making the system more versatile and responsive.
2Reliability
If mechanical braking arrangements are used, then the system is simple, but it is prone to failure and difficult to calibrate and customize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical braking arrangements with an electronically controlled system. A control module receives signals from sensors detecting accelerator pedal position and rate of movement, then electronically controls the braking operation, eliminating calibration issues and improving reliability while allowing for customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position and rate of movement of the accelerator pedal, providing feedback to the control module. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond dynamically to driver input and vehicle conditions, improving reliability and allowing for adaptive braking control.
3Ease of operation
If drivers repeatedly transfer foot between pedals in stop-start traffic, then conventional braking works, but driver fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the accelerator and brake controls into a single pedal assembly, the system eliminates the need for repeated foot transfers between pedals in stop-start traffic. The driver can control both acceleration and braking from one location, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing fatigue.
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
This system significantly reduces the reaction time for initiating braking in emergency situations and alleviates driver fatigue in stop-start traffic by allowing control of the vehicle's braking through the accelerator pedal, enhancing safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a control module and servomotor to vary the brake pedal's depression and apply braking force
Data Source
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AI summary
An accelerator braking system for a vehicle; said braking system reactive to forces applied to an accelerator pedal of said vehicle; said system characterized by a transmission to a control module of data corresponding to said forces applied to said accelerator pedal wherein braking force is gradually increased and decreased by operation of the accelerator pedal. In a preferred form the braking system is reactive to forces applied to a secondary reaction surface of an accelerator pedal of said vehicle; said system characterized by a transmission to a control module of force data or angle data wherein braking force is gradually increased and decreased by operation of the accelerator pedal.