Foldable Accelerator Pedal With Hysteresis Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous driving mode, exposed accelerator and brake pedals can lead to unintentional operation by the driver, posing safety risks due to the need for the pedals to remain visible but operable, which complicates driver comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A foldable accelerator pedal apparatus with a hysteresis module that retracts the pedal pad into the housing during autonomous travel, using a linear or rotary motor and hysteresis mechanism to prevent accidental operation, allowing the driver to comfortably rest while ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pedal pad remains exposed toward the driver, then the driver can operate the pedal in manual driving mode, but the driver may unintentionally operate the pedal in autonomous traveling mode causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal pad is designed to dynamically change its position between exposed and retracted states based on the driving mode. A motor drives the pedal pad to protrude from the housing in manual mode for operability, and retract into the housing in autonomous mode to prevent unintentional operation, thus adapting the system behavior to different operational contexts
Solution Approach 2:
A motor serves as an intermediary mechanism between the control system and the pedal pad. The motor receives control signals based on driving mode and actuates the pedal pad accordingly, mediating between the conflicting requirements of pedal accessibility and safety
2Ease of operation
If the pedal pad is exposed toward the driver, then the driver can operate the pedal, but the driver cannot rest comfortably in autonomous traveling mode
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal pad position is dynamically adjusted based on driving mode. In autonomous traveling mode, the motor retracts the pedal pad into the housing, creating additional leg space and allowing the driver to rest comfortably. In manual mode, the pedal pad protrudes for easy accessibility and operation
3Reliability
If the pedal pad retracts into the housing, then the driver can rest comfortably and accidental operation is prevented, but the pedal is not accessible for manual driving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two states: in autonomous mode, the pedal pad retracts to ensure safety and comfort; in manual mode, the motor actuates the pedal pad to protrude, restoring full accessibility and operability for manual driving
4Reliability
If a motor mechanism is added to retract the pedal pad, then the pedal can be concealed in autonomous mode, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A motor is introduced as an intermediary actuator to enable automatic pedal pad retraction and extension. The motor receives control signals and automatically adjusts the pedal pad position, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying the control logic despite adding mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The motor mechanism serves multiple functions: it retracts the pedal pad to prevent accidental operation in autonomous mode, extends the pedal pad for manual mode operation, and can be controlled based on driving mode signals, making it a multi-functional component that addresses multiple requirements
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 enables comfortable driver relaxation during autonomous driving by concealing the pedal pad, preventing unintentional operation and enhancing safety by ensuring the pedal remains inaccessible during autonomous travel.
Implementation Method 1
a hysteresis module installed in the pedal housing in a linearly movable manner, connected to the pedal pad, and configured to generate a hysteresis effect when the pedal pad is operated by the driver
Implementation Method 2
a linear motor equipped with a motor rod fixedly installed in the pedal housing and connected to the hysteresis module, the linear motor generating motive power for reciprocating the motor rod
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable accelerator pedal apparatus is equipped with a hysteresis module for a vehicle. In a manual driving mode where a driver drives a vehicle with human input, a pedal pad protrudes from a pedal housing to be exposed toward the driver. In an autonomous traveling mode where the vehicle travels without any human input, the pedal pad retracts into the pedal housing so as not to be exposed toward the driver. When operating the pedal pad, hysteresis may be realized through the hysteresis module.