Accelerator Reaction Force Control via Variable Friction Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accelerator pedal reaction force control systems increase the pedal force unnecessarily when transitioning to a low rotational speed/low load operating region, degrading driver feel and fuel efficiency due to automatic speed limiters limiting engine output.
Innovation Solution
An accelerator reaction force control apparatus that detects the pedal position and varies the reaction force beyond a base threshold, prohibiting further increases when an automatic speed limiter limits engine output, using a control unit to manage a variable friction plate and actuator to adjust the pedal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the accelerator pedal reaction force is increased based on accelerator pedal position to suppress further depression, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the accelerator pedal operating feel is degraded when the automatic speed limiter limits engine output
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction force of the accelerator pedal is made dynamically adjustable based on operating conditions. The control unit varies the reaction force magnitude according to the detected accelerator pedal position and throttle valve opening degree, allowing the system to adapt between fuel efficiency mode (higher reaction force) and drivability mode (lower reaction force) depending on whether the automatic speed limiter is active
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the accelerator pedal position and throttle valve opening degree, then adjusting the reaction force accordingly. When the throttle opening degree is smaller than the accelerator pedal position (indicating speed limiter intervention), the control unit reduces the reaction force to maintain natural pedal feel
2Productivity
If the reaction force limiting apparatus is employed to increase accelerator pedal reaction force, then the vehicle transitions to low rotational speed/low load operating region for better fuel efficiency, but the automatic speed limiter limits throttle opening degree causing unnecessary reaction force increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously compares the accelerator pedal position with the throttle valve opening degree to detect when the automatic speed limiter is active. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary reaction force increases by identifying the conflict between driver input and system-imposed throttle limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction force magnitude is dynamically adjusted based on the relationship between accelerator pedal position and throttle opening degree. When the throttle opening is restricted by the speed limiter, the system dynamically reduces reaction force to prevent degradation of operating feel while maintaining fuel efficiency benefits
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
This solution reduces fuel consumption while maintaining good driver feel and vehicle operability by preventing unnecessary pedal force increases during low load conditions, ensuring efficient fuel use and comfortable driver interaction.
Implementation Method 1
The reaction force varying means includes a variable friction plate having a pair of friction members arranged facing opposite each other and configured to apply a frictional force
Data Source
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AI summary
An accelerator force control apparatus (100) is provided that basically comprising accelerator position detecting means (6), engine output control means (10), reaction force varying means (101) and reaction force increase prohibiting means (10). The accelerator position detecting means (6) is configured to detect an accelerator position. The engine output control means (10) is configured to control an engine output in accordance with the accelerator position. The reaction force varying means (101) is configured to vary a reaction force of an accelerator (2) by increasing the reaction force of the accelerator (2) beyond a base reaction force when the accelerator position is equal to or larger than a prescribed position threshold value. The reaction force increase prohibiting means (10) is configured to prohibit an increase of the reaction force of the accelerator (2) when a prescribed condition for limiting the engine output is satisfied regardless of the accelerator position.