Foldable Electronic Pedal Apparatus for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous driving scenarios, the exposure of accelerator and brake pedals in vehicles can lead to driver distraction and potential erroneous operation, necessitating a solution that hides the pedals during autonomous driving while allowing manual operation in manual driving modes.
Innovation Solution
An electronic pedal apparatus with a hinge pin, stroke detector, link block, rotation link, and spring module, combined with a foldable actuator and return spring, which allows the pedal arm to pop-up for manual operation and hide during autonomous driving, preventing accidental activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pedal apparatus is exposed for manual operation, then the driver can operate the pedals, but the driver may experience distraction or erroneous operation in autonomous driving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal apparatus employs a foldable actuator that dynamically changes the exposure state of the pedal arm between exposed and retracted positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different driving modes (manual vs. autonomous), resolving the contradiction by making the pedal visible and accessible when needed while hiding it when it could cause harm
2Reliability
If the pedal apparatus is retracted to prevent erroneous operation, then driver safety is improved, but the driver cannot manually operate the pedals
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable actuator enables the pedal arm to transition between retracted and exposed states based on driving mode requirements. In autonomous mode, the pedal remains retracted for safety; in manual mode, it is exposed for operation, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and operability through dynamic state change
3Reliability
If a foldable actuator is added to enable pedal folding, then driver comfort and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable actuator serves multiple functions: it enables the pedal folding mechanism, provides returning force through its spring component, and facilitates the transition between exposed and retracted states. By combining multiple functions into a single component, the design minimizes the increase in overall system complexity while achieving the desired safety and comfort benefits
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
Enhances driver comfort and safety by preventing accidental pedal operation during autonomous driving while maintaining operability in manual driving modes, with a configuration that reduces ankle fatigue and simplifies the pedal apparatus design.
Implementation Method 1
a spring module including first and second end portions rotatably coupled to the hinge pin and the rotation link, respectively, to provide the pedal arm with returning force thereof
Implementation Method 2
a return spring including first and second end portions supported by the pedal housing and the link block to provide returning force to the slid link block
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic pedal apparatus is configured to perform an electronic pedal function by utilizing a basic configuration and also perform a foldable function by adding some elements to the basic configuration to be usefully used in an autonomous vehicle.