Active Accelerator Pedal Effort Control via Variable Spring Stiffness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accelerator pedals cannot vary pedal effort based on driver habits, leading to inefficiencies and discomfort during vehicle operation.

Innovation Solution

An active control method that uses a pedal effort control module to adjust the accelerator pedal effort by storing and analyzing data from an Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) to determine changes in driver habits, adjusting the spring length through a motor and gear system to modify the pedal effort accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a spring with predetermined elastic modulus is used to meet safety regulations, then safety requirements are satisfied, but the pedal effort cannot be varied according to driver habits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedal effort adaptabilityVSAvoidpedal structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing the fixed spring system with an active control system that dynamically adjusts pedal effort. The controller modifies the spring constant in real-time based on driver behavior patterns detected from accelerator pedal manipulation data, enabling the system to adapt between different effort levels rather than maintaining a fixed mechanical property.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the spring system by actively modifying the spring constant through control signals. The controller adjusts the effective stiffness of the spring mechanism based on analyzed driver habits, transforming the spring from a passive component with fixed properties to an active element with variable characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the pedal effort is kept constant to ensure safety, then safety standards are met, but driver comfort and manipulation efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedal manipulation efficiencyVSAvoidsafety compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring accelerator pedal manipulation data, analyzing driver habits, and using this information to adjust pedal effort. The system creates a closed-loop control where driver behavior informs system adjustment, which in turn improves subsequent manipulation ease while maintaining safety through regulated adjustment ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-analyzing driver habits during initial driving phases and preparing appropriate pedal effort settings before they are needed. The system stores and processes manipulation pattern data to predict when adjustments will be beneficial, proactively configuring the pedal effort to match upcoming driving scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the spring constant is increased to prevent quick pedal actions, then safety is improved, but driver fatigue increases due to excessive effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequick pedal actionsVSAvoidpedal effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamics to make the spring constant variable rather than fixed. The system adjusts the stiffness in real-time based on detected driver intent and manipulation patterns, providing higher resistance when quick actions are detected and lower resistance during normal operation, thereby preventing harmful actions without causing fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 method improves driver efficiency and comfort by dynamically adjusting pedal effort based on driving habits, reducing fatigue and preventing quick or unintended pedal actions.

Implementation Method 1

adjusting the spring length through a motor and gear system to modify the pedal effort accordingly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the spring 6 is elastically compressed and forms a pedal effort of the pedal pad 4

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9043110B2Active control method of pedal effort for accelerator

Publication Date: 2015.05.26 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An active control method of pedal effort for an accelerator comprises steps to actively vary pedal effort. When a vehicle having a controllable pedal effort accelerator pedal runs, the active control method can actively vary the accelerator pedal effort according to accelerator pedal manipulation habits of a driver, thereby improving the accelerator pedal manipulation efficiency of the driver.