Adaptive Pedal Map for Engine Response Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems require excessive operator effort to maintain speed and torque control in varying elevation conditions, headwinds, and load scenarios, leading to degraded drive feel and operator dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
The system adjusts the relationship between accelerator pedal depression and engine output torque based on vehicle grade, wind conditions, and load, using a gain function that adapts the pedal position map to maintain optimal performance with reduced operator input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed pedal position map is used for speed and torque control, then the control system is simple, but the operator requires excessive effort to maintain performance in varying elevation and wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pedal position map adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The control system dynamically modifies the relationship between pedal position and throttle angle based on detected operating conditions (elevation changes, wind conditions, vehicle load), allowing the system to adapt to varying environmental factors and reduce operator effort automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring operating conditions such as elevation, wind, and load, then using this information to automatically adjust the pedal position map. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to compensate for environmental factors without requiring additional operator input or effort.
2Ease of operation
If the pedal position map is adjusted frequently to compensate for environmental changes, then operator effort is reduced, but the drive feel is degraded and operator dissatisfaction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pedal position map based on detected environmental conditions, modifying the relationship between pedal position and throttle angle to compensate for elevation changes, wind, and load variations. This dynamic adaptation reduces operator effort while maintaining consistent drive feel through intelligent control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the pedal position map (gain values, mapping relationships) based on operating conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system compensates for environmental factors and maintains consistent vehicle response, preventing operator dissatisfaction while reducing required operator effort.
3Device complexity
If a nominal pedal input relationship is used assuming unloaded vehicle, then the control system is simple, but additional pedal movement is required when climbing grades or carrying load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pedal position map dynamic and adaptive to vehicle load and grade conditions. The system automatically adjusts the mapping relationship between pedal position and throttle angle based on detected operating conditions, eliminating the need for additional pedal movement when climbing grades or carrying loads while keeping the control system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-service by automatically compensating for vehicle load and grade conditions without requiring operator intervention. The system detects operating conditions and autonomously adjusts the pedal position map to maintain optimal performance, freeing the operator from needing to manually compensate for environmental factors.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an engine output delivered in response to an operator pedal actuation based at least on a grade of vehicle travel. During uphill travel, in the presence of headwinds, and/or in the presence of a vehicle payload, the output may be increased while during downhill travel or in the presence of tailwinds, the output may be decreased. In this way, driver fatigue during travel over varying elevations, varying ambient conditions, and varying loads can be reduced.