Active Force Pedal Assembly Torque Motor Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle pedals lack effective haptic feedback mechanisms to alert operators of critical vehicle conditions such as excessive speed, unsafe distance, or obstacles, which can lead to accidents or inefficient driving.
Innovation Solution
An active force pedal assembly incorporating a torque motor and shaft system that applies a rotational force to the pedal, providing haptic feedback through a push-back force in response to sensed vehicle conditions, utilizing a non-contacting sensor mechanism with a magnet assembly and electronic control for precise operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torque motor and shaft system is added to provide haptic feedback, then the effectiveness of alerting operators to critical vehicle conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a torque motor that directly generates rotational force. The torque motor converts electrical signals into mechanical rotation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission systems while providing precise haptic feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the accelerator pedal and the haptic feedback delivery mechanism. The torque motor integrates the feedback function into the existing pedal structure, allowing a single component to provide both mechanical actuation and tactile alerting.
2Measurement precision
If electronics are integrated in the housing for controlling the torque motor, then the precision of haptic feedback control is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics are integrated directly into the housing structure, combining the control system with the mechanical housing. This integration eliminates separate control components and simplifies the overall assembly process, as the housing serves dual purposes as both structural element and electronic mounting platform.
3Strength
If a housing wall separates the torque motor and pedal with a through-hole for the shaft, then the structural integrity and safety are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into separate sections by the housing wall, creating distinct compartments for the torque motor and pedal components. The shaft passes through a precisely positioned through-hole that acts as a controlled interface between these segments, allowing structural separation while maintaining functional connectivity.
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 solution effectively alerts operators to critical vehicle conditions by applying a tactile feedback force, enhancing safety and driving efficiency by prompting appropriate responses to speed, distance, and obstacle detection.
Implementation Method 1
a torque motor adapted to generate a rotational force... the rotational force generated by the torque motor is transferred to the shaft and results in the application of an active force on the pedal
Data Source
AI summary
An active force pedal assembly that includes a housing for a pedal and a torque motor that is coupled to the pedal in a direct drive relationship via a shaft that extends between and is coupled directly to both the pedal and the torque motor. The drum of the pedal and the torque motor are disposed in a side-by-side relationship in which the respective longitudinal axes of the drum and the torque motor are co-linearly aligned. The torque motor generates and transfers a rotational torque force to the shaft which, in turn, applies an active force to the pedal and thus the foot of the operator of the vehicle for providing a sensory signal of a vehicular condition or event.