Electronic Pedal With Progressive Elastic Feedback and Dual Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable and pressure-operation-type pedal devices in autonomous vehicles face issues such as space constraints and difficulty in recognizing operational displacement, leading to driver fatigue and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
An electronic pedal device with a pivotably coupled pedal and an elastic material that gradually increases in spring constant, combined with dual pressure sensors for detection, providing a clear operational feel and enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the operational displacement of the pedal is made very small to simplify the operation mechanism, then the mechanical configuration for folding/unfolding is not necessary and space efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult for the driver to recognize how much the pedal is operated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic material as an intermediary element between the pedal and the sensor. This elastic material deforms in response to pedal operation, providing a visible and tactile indication of the operational displacement to the driver, while still allowing the sensor to detect the precise position change electronically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the elastic material from rigid to flexible, allowing it to deform and provide visual feedback. The elastic material's deformation parameter changes in response to pedal operation, giving the driver tactile and visual information about the pedal's operational state without requiring large mechanical displacement.
2Ease of operation
If a foldable pedal device is used to hide the pedal in autonomous driving mode, then the driver's relaxation is improved and undesired operation is prevented, but a space for hiding the pedal is necessary and the operation mechanism becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the folding mechanism from the pedal device itself, keeping only the essential pedal structure. The pedal is designed to be stationary and simple, while the ability to prevent undesired operation is achieved through other means such as sensors and control systems that can detect and respond to unauthorized pedal activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical folding system with an electronic detection and control system. Instead of physically moving or hiding the pedal, the system uses sensors to detect pedal position and operation, and the control system to prevent undesired operation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical folding mechanisms.
3Reliability
If dual pressure sensors are used to detect pedal operation, then safety is improved by preventing erroneous operations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the two pressure sensors into a unified detection system. The sensors work together to provide redundant detection of pedal operation, with their signals processed by a control system that can identify and prevent erroneous operations. This combined approach enhances safety while managing complexity through integrated control logic.
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
Enables efficient use of space, reduces driver fatigue by clearly indicating operational displacement, and ensures safety through dual detection, preventing erroneous operations.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic material which is formed to be gradually increased in a spring constant while being compressed in response that the pedal is pivoted to be inserted into the pedal housing
Implementation Method 2
detecting operation of a pedal through a dual detecting structure using two pressure sensors
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic pedal device at operates in a pressure operation manner and thus enables a driver to operate a pedal with a small force. It is possible to greatly change operation force of a pedal pad using an elastic material which is formed to be gradually increased in a spring constant although the operational displacement of the pedal is very small, enabling the driver to easily recognize the operation state of the pedal pad. The pedal device detects operation of the pedal through a dual detecting structure using a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor, further ensuring safety in response that operating the pedal.