Accelerator Reaction Force Control via Variable Decrease Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accelerator pedal reaction force control systems do not effectively manage the transition from increased to base reaction force, potentially causing drivers to inadvertently depress the pedal too deeply, leading to inefficient driving and increased fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
An accelerator pedal reaction force control apparatus that includes an accelerator position detecting device and a reaction force varying device, which increases the reaction force beyond a base force when the accelerator position exceeds a threshold and decreases it back to the base force at a variable rate based on accelerator position change conditions, preventing sudden force reductions that might lead to deep pedal depression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the reaction force is suddenly returned to base force when accelerator position decreases below threshold, then the reaction force control responds quickly to position changes, but the driver may inadvertently depress the accelerator pedal too deeply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by gradually reducing the reaction force over a predetermined period before it returns to the base force, rather than suddenly removing it. This gradual reduction cushions the driver against the sudden change in force feedback, preventing inadvertent deep pedal depression while maintaining responsive control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the reaction force is gradually reduced over time, then deep pedal depression is prevented, but the reaction force control becomes less responsive to position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reaction force reduction time variable rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the predetermined period based on the accelerator position change rate and other driving conditions, allowing the system to be gradual when needed for safety but faster when responsiveness is prioritized, thus resolving the contradiction between gradual reduction and response speed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the reaction force increase threshold is set low, then the reaction force is increased earlier to prevent deep depression, but the accelerator becomes less responsive to light pedal inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different reaction force control strategies in different accelerator position ranges. The reaction force increase threshold is set at a low position to prevent deep depression, but the magnitude and duration of the force increase are adjusted based on the specific position and change rate, allowing light pedal inputs to remain responsive while still providing protective feedback against excessive depression.
Data Source
AI summary
An accelerator reaction force control apparatus has an accelerator position detecting device that detects an accelerator position and a reaction force varying device that varies a reaction force of an accelerator. The reaction force varying device increases the accelerator's reaction force beyond a base reaction force in response to the accelerator position being equal to or larger than a reaction force increase threshold, and decreases the accelerator's reaction force toward the base reaction force in response to the accelerator position becoming equal to or smaller than a reaction force increase cancellation threshold after the reaction force has been increased beyond the base reaction force. The reaction force varying device varies a reaction force decrease rate at which the accelerator's reaction force is decreased based on an accelerator position change condition existing at a time when the accelerator position becomes equal to or smaller than the reaction force increase cancellation threshold.