Drive-by-Wire Pedal Positioning for Flexible Vehicle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional vehicle operating apparatuses, such as brake and accelerator systems, are constrained by the structure of gasoline cars, leading to space wastage and poor maneuverability, and do not meet the evolving safety standards of new energy automobiles.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle operating apparatus that converts driver input into electrical signals, allowing the apparatus to be positioned flexibly based on the vehicle's driving state, eliminating the need for rigid mechanical connections and incorporating feedback mechanisms for improved maneuverability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional mechanical connection methods are used for brake and accelerator systems, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the vehicle space is wasted and maneuverability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle space utilizationVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection systems (brake pedals, accelerator pedals with rigid linkages) with an electronic sensor-based system. Pressure-sensitive sensors detect driver input forces and convert them to electrical signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission components. This substitution frees up vehicle space while maintaining control functionality through electronic actuation means that can be positioned flexibly within the vehicle structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional operating apparatus where a single integrated system handles both brake and accelerator functions through different sensor positions and actuation modes. The electronic architecture allows the same basic structure to serve multiple driving operations (acceleration, braking, deceleration) by varying the sensor activation patterns, thereby improving space utilization without requiring separate dedicated mechanical systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If rigid mechanical connections are used for operating apparatus, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the apparatus cannot be positioned flexibly and maneuverability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the operating apparatus can change its position and configuration based on driving conditions. The electronic sensor system detects driver intent and the actuating means adjust the apparatus position dynamically, allowing optimal maneuverability in different situations while maintaining connection stability through electronic control rather than rigid mechanical constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electronic sensors and control systems as intermediary elements between the driver's input and the vehicle's response. This intermediary electronic layer replaces direct rigid mechanical connections, allowing flexible positioning of the operating apparatus while maintaining reliable signal transmission through electrical connections that can accommodate positional variations without compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the operating apparatus is designed for gasoline car structure, then it meets existing safety standards, but it does not meet the evolving safety standards of new energy automobiles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with new energy vehiclesVSAvoidsafety standard compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal operating apparatus that can adapt to both traditional gasoline vehicle architectures and new energy vehicle requirements. The electronic sensor and actuation system provides a platform that can be configured for different vehicle types and safety standards, allowing the same basic design to serve multiple applications including new energy automobiles with their evolving safety requirements while maintaining compliance through flexible electronic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the electronic system to adapt to different safety standards and vehicle types. By adjusting sensor sensitivity, actuation force parameters, and control algorithms, the operating apparatus can meet different safety requirements without changing its fundamental structure, enabling compatibility with both traditional and new energy vehicle safety standards through software and parameter configuration rather than hardware redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances vehicle space utilization, improves maneuverability, and ensures safety by allowing the apparatus to be positioned optimally based on driving conditions, while meeting new safety standards.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element, and a force sensor configured to generate an electrical signal according to an amount of deformation of the elastic element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4371831B1Vehicle operating apparatus, vehicle system and vehicle braking system
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 VOLVO CAR CORP
  • EP4371831B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4371831B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4371831B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vehicle operating apparatus comprises: a stressed means configured to receive a force applied thereon by a driver for operating a vehicle; a connecting means configured such that a first end is mechanically connected to the stressed means and a second end is mechanically connected to a mounting surface of the vehicle; a sensor configured to sense information associated with the force applied by the driver and convert the information into an electrical signal, the vehicle is able to perform driving-related operations in response to the signal; and an actuating means configured to actuate the connecting means according to a current driving state of the vehicle so that the stressed means is maintained at a specific position.