Accelerator Play Measurement Using Vehicle Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the play opening degree of an accelerator pedal in vehicles, such as those with electric or hybrid powertrains, face challenges as they rely on engine revolution speed, which is not applicable when the engine is stopped or in electric-only modes.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a vehicle speed sensor to measure the play opening degree by increasing the accelerator pedal opening degree at different speeds, with a first measurement unit calculating a provisional play opening degree at a slower speed and a second unit calculating the play opening degree at a faster speed, allowing precise measurement without relying on engine revolution speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If engine revolution speed is used to measure play opening degree, then measurement can be performed in traditional vehicles with engines, but measurement becomes impossible in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles when engine is stopped or in electric-only mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vehicle speed as an intermediary parameter to measure accelerator pedal play opening degree. Instead of directly using engine revolution speed, the system uses vehicle speed changes in response to accelerator pedal operations to calculate the play opening degree, making the measurement applicable to both traditional vehicles and electric/hybrid vehicles in electric-only mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the engine-centric measurement system with a vehicle speed-based measurement system. By substituting engine revolution speed with vehicle speed as the measurement basis, the system can operate across different powertrain types and operating modes, including when the engine is stopped or in electric-only mode
2Device complexity
If accelerator pedal opening degree is increased at a single speed to measure play opening degree, then measurement process is simple, but measurement precision is insufficient due to response delays and varying throttle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into multiple segments with different accelerator pedal opening speeds. The first measurement unit increases the pedal opening degree at a first speed to calculate a provisional play opening degree, while the second measurement unit increases it at a second speed to calculate the final play opening degree. This segmentation allows the system to account for response delays and varying throttle operation at different speeds, improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the measurement process dynamic by adjusting the accelerator pedal opening speed based on the measurement stage. The system uses a first speed for initial measurement and a second speed for refined measurement, adapting the operation speed to the specific measurement requirements at each stage to improve overall measurement accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
This accelerator play measurement device measures the play opening of an accelerator pedal of a vehicle, and includes: an accelerator actuator for operating the accelerator pedal; a vehicle speed sensor for detecting the vehicle speed of the vehicle; a first measurement unit for calculating a provisional play opening on the basis of a change in vehicle speed detection value from the vehicle speed sensor when the accelerator actuator has been driven and the accelerator pedal opening degree has been increased at a first speed from a fully-closed opening degree; and a second measurement unit for detecting the play opening on the basis of a change in vehicle speed detection value when the accelerator actuator has been driven and the accelerator pedal opening degree has been increased at a second speed higher than the first speed from the fully-closed opening degree to close to the provisional play opening.