Acoustic Wave Sensor for Electric Vehicle Pedal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensors and actuator mechanisms in electric vehicles, such as those used in forklifts and golf carts, face issues with mechanical wear, high manufacturing costs, and sensitivity to contaminants, leading to premature failure and increased expenses.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor and actuator system utilizing acoustic wave energy trapped in a cavity with a damper made of acoustic wave absorbing material, where the damper's increased surface area with pressure enhances energy absorption, allowing for accurate and durable control mechanisms at a reasonable cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic potentiometers or Hall Effect devices are used for position sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromagnetic and optical sensing systems with a simpler acoustic wave-based mechanical system. The acoustic wave sensor uses sound waves traveling through a medium to detect position, eliminating the need for intricate electromagnetic components, Hall Effect chips, or optical encoders while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental sensing parameter from electromagnetic fields or optical signals to acoustic wave properties. By measuring changes in acoustic wave characteristics (such as speed, frequency, or amplitude) caused by position variations, the system achieves accurate measurement through a fundamentally different physical mechanism that is simpler to implement.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical potentiometers are used for accelerator control, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical wear by replacing the traditional mechanical potentiometer with an acoustic wave sensor. Instead of using physical contact between moving parts, the system uses sound waves to detect position, thereby removing the source of mechanical degradation while maintaining ease of manufacture through simpler component requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic wave acts as an intermediary between the mechanical position and the sensing mechanism. Rather than direct mechanical contact, the position is converted into acoustic wave property changes, which are then detected. This intermediary approach eliminates direct mechanical wear while preserving the ability to sense position accurately.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensors with encoder disks are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to precise machining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive optical encoder systems with a simpler acoustic wave-based measurement system. Instead of requiring precisely machined encoder disks and complex optical readout mechanisms, the system uses acoustic waves to achieve measurement precision through a more manufacturable approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic wave sensor can be implemented with simpler, less expensive components that do not require precision machining of encoder disks. The system uses readily available materials and manufacturing processes while achieving the desired measurement precision, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
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
The system provides a rugged, sensitive, and accurate control mechanism for electric vehicle accelerator and braking systems, reducing the likelihood of failure and manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic wave absorbing member, herein referred to as a damper, is mounted adjacent to a surface of the acoustic wave cavity... the greater the pressure applied to the acoustic wave absorbing member or damper, the greater the area of the surface of the acoustic wave cavity contacted by the acoustic wave absorbing member or damper
Implementation Method 2
A transducer is mounted on or adjacent to a first surface of the acoustic wave cavity for generating an acoustic wave in the acoustic wave cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensitive acoustic wave sensor and actuator include an acoustic wave cavity foπned in a substrate, a transducer generating an acoustic wave substantially trapped in the acoustic wave cavity and an acoustic wave absorbing member that absorbs more acoustic wave energy in the acoustic wave cavity in response to increased pressure on the member. The speed and/or braking of an electric vehicle is controlled through operator input of a foot pedal, using the pressure sensitive acoustic wave sensor.