Foldable One-Pedal Control for Brake Failure in Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous vehicles, when either the foldable accelerator pedal system or the foldable brake pedal system is broken down, there is a risk of accidental stoppage of autonomous driving, which can lead to safety concerns and discomfort for drivers, as exposed pedals can be accidentally manipulated, disrupting relaxation during autonomous driving mode.
Innovation Solution
A one-pedal control method and system that utilizes the foldable accelerator pedal system to allow drivers to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle when the foldable brake pedal system is broken, employing integrated software safety functions instead of redundant hardware configurations, reducing component count and costs, and ensuring convenience and marketability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both foldable accelerator pedal system and foldable brake pedal system are configured, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of accelerator and brake pedals into a single foldable pedal system. The pedal can operate in two modes: as an accelerator when pressed, and as a brake when released (utilizing regenerative braking). This consolidation eliminates the need for separate accelerator and brake pedal systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining safety through integrated control logic that monitors pedal position and vehicle speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The single foldable pedal system performs multiple functions: it serves as an accelerator during pressing, transitions to a brake function when released through regenerative braking, and provides a safety mechanism by folding away during autonomous driving. This multi-functionality allows one pedal system to replace what would traditionally require two separate systems, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If foldable pedal system is used to prevent accidental manipulation, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when pedal breakdown occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal system dynamically adapts its configuration based on operational mode. During manual driving, the pedal remains exposed and functional. During autonomous driving, the pedal automatically folds away to prevent accidental manipulation. When a breakdown is detected, the system dynamically switches to one-pedal mode with updated control logic, ensuring the remaining functional pedal can still control the vehicle safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor pedal position, pressure, and operational status. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to detect breakdown conditions and automatically switch to one-pedal operation mode. The feedback ensures that the system responds appropriately to breakdown situations, maintaining ease of operation by automatically adapting to the available functional components.
3Ease of operation
If one-pedal system is activated upon breakdown, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability may deteriorate due to increased load on single pedal system
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for potential breakdown scenarios by implementing redundant control logic and safety checks before they are needed. The control unit is programmed with breakdown detection algorithms and automatic mode-switching capabilities that are ready to activate immediately. This beforehand preparation ensures that when a breakdown occurs, the system can smoothly transition to one-pedal mode without compromising reliability, as the safety mechanisms are already in place and tested.
Data Source
AI summary
A one-pedal control method and system for an autonomous vehicle, are configured for accelerating or decelerating a vehicle by use of a foldable accelerator pedal system when a foldable brake pedal system is broken down when a driver manually drives the autonomous vehicle or the mode is switched from an autonomous driving mode to a manual driving mode, and configured for implementing a fail-safe function by use of an integrated safety function of software.