Brake Pedal Force Threshold Engine Restart Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology in combustion engines lacks user control and efficiency, as it does not allow vehicle operators to effectively manage engine restarts and maintain an engine-off state in various driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an engine, a brake pedal sensor, and a controller that detects force thresholds and driving conditions to optimize engine restarts, allowing the engine to be shut off and maintained in an off state based on user input and vehicle conditions, such as brake pedal force and driving scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the ISG technology automatically manages engine restarts, then fuel consumption is reduced, but user control and responsiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts engine restart behavior based on detected brake pedal force thresholds. The controller monitors brake pedal input in real-time and adapts engine shutdown/restart decisions based on the magnitude of brake force detected, allowing the system to respond flexibly to different driving conditions while maintaining user control through brake input variations.
2Loss of energy
If the engine shuts off during ISG operation, then fuel economy improves, but unnecessary engine startups occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of brake pedal force thresholds before initiating engine shutdown. By detecting whether the brake pedal force satisfies predetermined thresholds before the ISG operation commences, the controller can predict appropriate restart conditions and prevent unnecessary engine startups, thereby improving fuel economy while maintaining operational readiness when needed.
3Productivity
If the controller monitors multiple driving conditions, then engine operation is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pedal sensor serves multiple functions within the control system. It not only detects brake application for standard braking operations but also provides force magnitude information for engine management decisions. This multi-functional use of the existing sensor allows the system to monitor driving conditions and optimize engine operation without adding dedicated sensors or significantly increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for optimizing engine restarts. In one aspect, the system includes an engine, a brake pedal sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to shut off the engine when a vehicle stops during an Idle Stop and Go (ISG) operation. The controller operates the engine to shut off during the ISG operation in response to detecting the vehicle being stopped. The controller detects a driving condition indicating that the engine is required to be on. The controller operates the engine to turn on based on the driving condition. The controller detects force satisfying a second threshold at the brake pedal based on the brake pedal sensor. The controller operates the engine to maintain an engine-off state in response to detecting force satisfying the second threshold at the brake pedal based on the brake pedal sensor.