Foldable Pedal Apparatus with Hysteresis Module for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous driving mode, there is a risk of accidental operation of vehicle pedals by drivers, leading to potential accidents, as pedals are not concealed, and drivers may unknowingly operate them, disrupting autonomous control.
Innovation Solution
A foldable pedal apparatus with a hysteresis module that allows the pedal pad to protrude for manual driving mode operation and retract for autonomous mode, using a motor and support member to pivot the hysteresis module, ensuring the pedal is hidden and preventing driver interaction during autonomous driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pedal pad remains exposed in autonomous driving mode, then the driver can operate it for manual driving, but the driver may accidentally operate it causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal apparatus transitions between two states: exposed for manual driving mode and retracted for autonomous driving mode. The pedal pad is dynamically positioned based on the driving mode, allowing it to protrude when manual operation is needed and retract when autonomous operation is active, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and operational accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
A determination module acts as an intermediary that detects the current driving mode (manual or autonomous) and controls the pedal pad's exposure state accordingly. This intermediary component ensures that the pedal pad is only accessible when appropriate, preventing accidental operation while maintaining ease of use when needed
2Reliability
If the pedal pad is retracted for autonomous driving mode, then driver safety is improved, but the driver cannot operate the pedal for manual driving
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal pad dynamically adapts its position based on the detected driving mode. When autonomous driving mode is detected, the pedal pad retracts to prevent operation. When manual driving mode is detected, the pedal pad protrudes to enable operation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between safety and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The determination module continuously monitors the driving mode and provides feedback to control the pedal pad's exposure state. This feedback mechanism ensures that the pedal pad's state always corresponds to the current driving mode, allowing the system to adapt between manual and autonomous operations while maintaining safety
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable pedal apparatus of a vehicle with a hysteresis module, may include a pedal pad is in a popped-up state of protruding from a pedal housing to be exposed toward a driver, in a manual driving mode in which the driver directly drives the vehicle; the pedal pad is in a hidden state of being inserted into the pedal housing and blocked from being exposed to the driver, in the autonomous driving mode in which the driver does not directly drive the vehicle; and hysteresis may be implemented by a hysteresis module when the pedal pad is operated.