Accelerator Pedal Reaction Force Control for Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accelerator-pedal reaction force control systems fail to effectively reduce fuel consumption while maintaining a satisfactory operational feel for the driver, as the increase in reaction force is not adequately differentiated based on the accelerator's position and state, leading to difficulty in recognizing the optimal operation amount.
Innovation Solution
An accelerator control apparatus that adjusts the reaction force by varying the amount of increase based on the accelerator's position, with a larger increase from the zero position to a first position and a smaller increase from an intermediate position to the same second position, to inform the driver of specific fuel consumption conditions and prevent excessive pedal depression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the reaction force is increased at a certain accelerator opening degree to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the operational feel of the accelerator pedal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different reaction force increase amounts based on the accelerator's starting position. When the accelerator is moved from the zero position to a position satisfying the predetermined condition, a first increase amount is applied. When moved from an intermediate position, a second increase amount (smaller than the first) is applied. This localized differentiation maintains fuel efficiency benefits while preserving natural operational feel across different driving scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of reaction force increase amount based on the accelerator's position state. By detecting whether the accelerator is at the zero position or an intermediate position, the system dynamically adjusts the reaction force increase parameter to achieve both fuel conservation and operational comfort.
2Device complexity
If a constant increase amount in reaction force is applied at the same accelerator opening degree, then the control system is simple, but the driver cannot recognize the change in force required to depress the accelerator pedal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a larger reaction force increase (first increase amount) when the accelerator is moved from the zero position, which is the initial state. This preliminary action ensures the driver immediately recognizes the need for force adjustment when starting from a stopped state, providing clear feedback before the driver becomes accustomed to the pedal's behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the reaction force increase amount based on the accelerator's current position. The control system transitions from a static constant increase approach to a dynamic position-dependent approach, where the increase amount varies according to whether the accelerator is at zero or intermediate position, enhancing driver awareness without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus includes a means for detecting a position and a means for adjusting a reaction force of the accelerator, wherein the means for adjusting increases the reaction force of the accelerator by an increase amount in addition to a basic reaction force when the position of the accelerator is increased to satisfy a predetermined condition associated with a specific fuel consumption of the vehicle, the means for adjusting sets the increase amount to a first amount when the position of the accelerator is increased from a first accelerator position in a preload area to a second accelerator position that satisfies the predetermined condition, the means for adjusting sets the increase amount to a second amount when the position of the accelerator position is increased from an intermediate accelerator position that exceeds the preload area to the second position, and the first amount is greater than the second amount.