Accelerator Pedal Lock Control for Automatic Drive Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic driving control systems for vehicles require driver operation to switch between automatic and manual modes, which can be cumbersome and increase driver workload due to the need for manual adjustment of the accelerator pedal reaction force.
Innovation Solution
An accelerator pedal system with a lock mechanism, actuator, and controller that restricts or unlocks the pedal lever operation based on automatic drive control modes, allowing for seamless transitions and reduced driver intervention through controlled actuation by a motor and power transmission mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the accelerator pedal reaction force adjuster is set to ON state and held by a stopper during automatic driving control, then the automatic travel control can be started and stopped, but the switch operation may bother the driver and become an operation load
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the driver's pedal operation intent through acceleration G-sensor and pedal operation amount sensor, and autonomously controls the reaction force adjuster without requiring driver intervention. The controller determines when to apply reaction force based on detected acceleration and pedal position, making the system self-regulating rather than requiring manual switch operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical switch operation with an automated sensor-based control system. Instead of requiring the driver to physically operate a cruise control switch, the system uses acceleration G-sensors and pedal position sensors to detect driving conditions and automatically activates/deactivates the reaction force adjuster through electronic control.
2Reliability
If the accelerator pedal is locked during automatic driving control, then unintended pedal operation is reduced, but the locked state may need to be released during manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the locked state of the accelerator pedal based on real-time detection of driver intent. The controller monitors acceleration G-values and pedal operation amounts, and only applies the locking force when automatic driving control is active and no manual intervention is detected. When manual operation is needed, the locking is automatically released, creating a dynamic rather than static locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction force adjuster applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent unintended pedal operations during automatic driving control. By detecting normal acceleration patterns and pedal positions, the system proactively applies reaction force to counteract potential unintended pedal movements before they can cause harmful effects.
3Force
If the accelerator pedal reaction force is adjusted manually via switch operation, then the reaction force can be controlled, but it increases driver workload and reduces comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors pedal operation amount and vehicle acceleration through sensors, and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the reaction force applied by the reaction force adjuster. The controller processes sensor data in real-time and modulates the reaction force accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to driving conditions without driver input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of reaction force with an automated electromechanical system. The reaction force adjuster, controlled by the ECU based on sensor inputs, electronically regulates the reaction force applied to the accelerator pedal, eliminating the need for manual switch operations and mechanical adjustments by the driver.
Data Source
AI summary
An accelerator pedal system includes a pedal lever, a lock mechanism, an actuator, and an ECU. The lock mechanism can restrict the operation of the pedal lever. The actuator switches between a locked state in which the operation of the pedal lever is restricted by the lock mechanism and an unlocked state in which the operation of the pedal lever is not restricted. The ECU includes a lock operation determination unit and an actuator control unit. The lock operation determination unit resumes the locked state by the drive of the actuator after a release from the locked state due to the step-on operation of the pedal lever during the automatic drive control in the locked state, when (i) the automatic drive control is continued or (ii) a resuming of the automatic drive control is detected.