Engine Torque Control via Zero-Acceleration Pedal Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional engine control devices struggle to smoothly transition vehicle acceleration when shifting from a straight-forward to a turning state, as drivers find it difficult to swiftly switch from the brake to the accelerator pedal without correcting the pedal opening, leading to an uneven acceleration feel.
Innovation Solution
A control device that adjusts engine torque based on the operation of an organ-type accelerator pedal, setting a target acceleration to zero when the pedal is pressed within a specific angle range (2-4 degrees) to minimize muscle load, allowing for seamless transition and steady vehicle travel without driver intention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the accelerator pedal is pressed with a small angle range (2-4 degrees) corresponding to minimum muscle load, then the driver can easily and swiftly cause the vehicle to travel steadily, but the accelerator opening is limited and may not provide sufficient acceleration in other ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by setting the target acceleration to zero specifically within the 2-4 degree accelerator opening range, where muscle load is minimized. This creates a specialized operational parameter zone that facilitates easy pedal operation for steady vehicle travel, while allowing different acceleration characteristics in other opening ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the accelerator pedal's initial angle and the control system's target acceleration settings before the driver operates the pedal. The system is prepared in advance to recognize when the pedal is pressed within the 2-4 degree range and automatically applies the zero target acceleration, enabling swift and easy transition to steady travel without requiring driver correction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the target acceleration is set to zero within a specific pedal angle range, then the vehicle can travel steadily with minimal driver input, but the responsiveness to driver acceleration requests outside this range may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized control zone within the accelerator pedal's operating range. Specifically, the 2-4 degree range is designated with a unique property (zero target acceleration) that ensures stable vehicle travel when the pedal is lightly pressed. Other ranges of the accelerator pedal maintain their normal acceleration characteristics, thus achieving stable travel in the critical transition zone while preserving acceleration responsiveness elsewhere.
3Ease of operation
If the accelerator pedal is designed with a specific initial angle (75 degrees) and reaction force mechanism, then the pedal can balance leg weight and reduce muscle load, but the pedal structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by designing the accelerator pedal with a reaction force mechanism that balances the weight of the driver's leg and foot. The pedal is configured to generate an opposing reaction force that counteracts the gravitational load on the leg, thereby minimizing muscle load during operation. This allows the driver to operate the pedal with minimal effort, particularly within the 2-4 degree range where steady travel is achieved.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for an engine, which controls an engine torque based on operation of an organ-type accelerator pedal is provided. The control device includes an accelerator opening detector for detecting an accelerator opening based on an angle of an accelerator pedal, a target acceleration setter for setting a target acceleration based on the accelerator opening, and an engine controller for adjusting an engine torque to achieve the target acceleration. The accelerator pedal is arranged to have a pedal angle at a predetermined initial pedal angle when the accelerator pedal is not pressed. The target acceleration setter sets the target acceleration to zero when the accelerator pedal is pressed and the accelerator opening is within a range where a difference between the pressed pedal angle and the initial pedal angle is between 2 and 4 degrees.