Accelerator Pedal Reaction Force Control for Smooth Pedaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accelerator devices maintain a constant reaction force when a pedaling speed exceeds an acceleration intention boundary threshold, leading to deteriorated pedal operability and discomfort for the driver.
Innovation Solution
An accelerator device that includes a pedal lever, drive source, power transmission mechanism, and control unit, which applies an initial reaction force for a specified time and then reduces it through a time function, adjusting the reaction force based on pedaling speed to match the driver's acceleration intention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reaction force is maintained when pedaling speed exceeds acceleration intention boundary threshold, then acceleration intention is supported, but pedaling operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction force control system dynamically adjusts the reaction force based on pedaling speed and time. Instead of maintaining a static reaction force, the system transitions from an initial reaction force to a reduced reaction force over time, making the system adaptive to the driver's continuous pedaling action and improving operability while supporting acceleration intention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reaction force parameter from an initial value to a reduced value based on elapsed time and pedaling speed conditions. This parameter transformation allows the reaction force to evolve during the pedaling cycle, resolving the contradiction between supporting acceleration and maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If reaction force is reduced when pedaling speed exceeds acceleration intention boundary threshold, then pedaling operability improves, but acceleration intention support weakens
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies an initial reaction force at the start of pedaling to support acceleration intention, then transitions to a reduced reaction force after a predetermined elapsed time. This preliminary action ensures acceleration support is provided when needed, while subsequent reduction maintains ease of operation during continuous pedaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction force control operates in temporal phases: an initial phase with higher reaction force to support acceleration intention, followed by a subsequent phase with reduced reaction force for ease of operation. This periodic temporal structure resolves the contradiction by applying different force levels at different times.
3Reliability
If reaction force is applied continuously, then acceleration intention is consistently supported, but driver discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction force control system dynamically transitions from an initial reaction force to a reduced reaction force based on elapsed time and pedaling speed. This dynamic adjustment reduces driver discomfort during continuous pedaling while maintaining acceleration intention support during the critical initial phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides cushioning by reducing the reaction force after a predetermined elapsed time, preventing excessive driver discomfort that would occur with continuous high reaction force application. This beforehand cushioning anticipates and mitigates the harmful effect of prolonged reaction force on driver comfort.
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 device ensures smooth and comfortable pedaling operations by appropriately applying and reducing reaction forces, enhancing pedal operability and matching pedaling to the driver's acceleration intentions.
Implementation Method 1
The drive source is configured to generate a driving force when being energized
Data Source
AI summary
An accelerator device includes a pedal lever, a drive source, a power transmission mechanism, and a control unit. The pedal lever is operable in response to a pedaling operation. The drive source generates a driving force when being energized. The power transmission mechanism transmits the driving force of the drive source to the pedal lever, and applies a reaction force in an opposite direction to a pedaling direction of the pedal lever. The control unit includes a reaction force controller that controls the reaction force applied to the pedal lever by controlling the drive source. The reaction force controller holds an initial reaction force for a reaction force hold time from a start of reaction force application, and performs a reaction force reduction control in which the reaction force is reduced as a time function after an elapse of the reaction force hold time.