Dual-Sensing Electronic Pedal for Small-Travel Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous driving vehicles, existing foldable pedal apparatuses have a complex operation mechanism and small operation displacement, making it difficult for drivers to recognize pedal operation and increasing the risk of misoperation and fatigue.
Innovation Solution
An electronic pedal apparatus with a dual sensing structure using two permanent magnets and PCBs, coupled to a pedal pad with a return spring and rotation lever, converting rotational movement into linear movement to enhance pedal force recognition and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foldable pedal apparatus with a complex operation mechanism is used, then the pedal can be hidden to improve safety and comfort in autonomous driving mode, but the device complexity increases and indoor space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the foldable function from the traditional pedal mechanism by introducing a separate actuator (motor or cylinder) that independently controls the pedal's folding motion. This separates the folding mechanism from the pedal operation mechanism, reducing the complexity of the overall system while maintaining the safety function of hiding pedals in autonomous mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a driving control device in manual mode and a safety feature by being retractable in autonomous mode. The same pedal structure can be folded or extended based on driving mode, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
2Device complexity
If the pedal operation displacement is made very small to simplify the mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the driver's ability to recognize pedal operation is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different parts of the pedal system. The pedal pad area is designed with a larger effective area and optimized geometry to enhance the driver's tactile perception and visual recognition of pedal operation, while the underlying mechanism maintains small displacement for simplicity. This local optimization allows the operation area to compensate for the reduced displacement.
3Volume of moving object
If the pedal operation displacement is made very small, then the mechanism is simplified and indoor space is improved, but driver fatigue increases due to reduced recognition of pedal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual enhancement methods such as contrasting colors, reflective materials, or illuminated elements on the pedal pad surface to make the pedal operation more visible to the driver. This visual feedback compensates for the reduced mechanical displacement, allowing the driver to easily recognize pedal operation without increased effort, thereby reducing fatigue while maintaining compact space.
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
Facilitates easy pedal operation with reduced driver fatigue and enhanced safety by increasing pedal force recognition and securing a large indoor space through a dual sensing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring disposed on the pedal housing such that the return spring extends along a longitudinal direction of the pedal pad, the return spring being configured to provide a return force to the pedal pad
Implementation Method 2
a dual sensing structure using two permanent magnets and two PCBs
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic pedal apparatus may be operated by a driver with a small force. When the driver operates a pedal pad, the pedal pad is operated with a fine displacement, but a change in a pedal force is increased through compression of a return spring using a rotation lever and a spring guide, so that the driver is capable of easily recognizing an operation situation of a pedal. Furthermore, safety during operation of the pedal may be more enhanced by using a dual sensing structure in which first and second permanent magnets and first and second printed circuit boards (PCBs) are used.