Clutch Pedal Position Detection for Automatic Engine Start-Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic stop and restart systems for vehicles with manual transmission struggle to accurately detect the release and pressing of the clutch pedal, especially when the driver leaves their foot resting on the pedal, leading to delayed engine restarts and potential involuntary restarts.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses three predetermined pressure threshold positions on the clutch pedal to detect pressing and releasing, allowing for faster detection of driver intent by considering the pedal position relative to the pressure direction, enabling quicker engine restarts even if the foot is resting on the pedal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single switch is positioned at the start of the clutch pedal stroke (high position), then the detection of clutch pedal pressing is rapid, but the release of the clutch pedal is not always detected when the driver keeps their foot resting on it
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch pedal stroke is segmented into multiple detection zones using two switches positioned at different locations. The first switch detects pressing actions while the second switch detects release actions, allowing independent optimization of each detection function without interference from the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes signals from both switches and determines clutch pedal state based on the combination of signals received, rather than relying on a single switch. This allows for more nuanced and reliable state detection.
2Reliability
If the contactor is positioned lower in the clutch pedal stroke to avoid false detection when the driver leaves their foot resting on the pedal, then the detection accuracy improves, but the detection time of pedal release increases and restart time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented between two switches positioned at different stroke locations. The lower-positioned second switch provides accurate release detection without false triggers, while the control unit uses logic that doesn't require the pedal to fully return to detect the release intent, reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential release detection by monitoring the second switch position continuously. When the pedal approaches the release zone, the system is already ready to trigger restart conditions, reducing the actual detection and response time.
3Reliability
If the clutch pedal must return completely to the rest position for release detection, then false restarts are prevented, but the restart response time is delayed when the driver keeps their foot resting on the pedal
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch pedal stroke is divided into multiple detection zones with different thresholds. The system can detect release intent at an intermediate position (second switch activation) rather than requiring complete return to rest position, enabling faster restart while maintaining reliability through controlled acceptance of partial release states.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection criteria are made dynamic rather than static. The system adapts its detection threshold based on the specific operational context and driver behavior patterns, allowing it to accept partial pedal release in certain conditions while maintaining strict detection in others to prevent false restarts.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling stopping and restarting of a heat engine of a vehicle, comprising a gearbox and a clutch pedal, said method comprising a step of detecting the pressing action, a step of detecting the release of the clutch pedal, characterized in that the pressing action or the release of the clutch pedal is detected on the basis of the position of the clutch pedal, in terms of the pressing direction, relative to at least two predetermined pressing threshold positions (S1, S2).