Magnetic Electronic Pedal Force Feedback for Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic pedal apparatuses for autonomous vehicles face challenges in providing a comfortable and safe operating environment, as they require complex mechanisms and increased size for foldable functions, leading to driver fatigue and recognition issues due to small operating displacements and reliance on mechanical configurations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic pedal apparatus utilizing magnetic force modules with a quadratic function graph to enable easy operation with minimal effort, incorporating a compact foldable mechanism using an electromagnet to simplify configuration and reduce weight and costs, allowing for clear recognition of pedal operation and reduced driver fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foldable pedal device is used to hide the pedal pad in autonomous driving mode, then driver comfort and safety are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical foldable mechanisms with a pressure-sensitive electronic pedal system. The pedal apparatus detects driver intent through pressure sensors and generates appropriate commands (acceleration, braking, or maintaining current state) without requiring mechanical folding or hiding mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for complex operation mechanisms while maintaining safety and comfort in autonomous driving mode.
2Device complexity
If the pedal operating displacement is made very small, then the operation mechanism is simplified, but the driver's ability to recognize the operating degree deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces force feedback as an intermediary between the driver's small pedal displacement and the vehicle's response. The magnetic force module provides quadratic force feedback that is proportional to the pedal displacement, allowing the driver to perceive the operating degree through tactile feedback rather than visual observation of large movements. This mediator enables small displacements to be both mechanically simple and perceptibly clear to the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements force feedback through the magnetic force module that provides quadratic resistance proportional to pedal displacement. This feedback mechanism allows the driver to clearly recognize the operating degree through the magnitude of force required to move the pedal, even when the physical displacement is very small. The feedback creates a direct tactile correlation between driver input and system response.
3Device complexity
If the pressure-operating pedal apparatus is operated only by force applied by the driver, then the operation mechanism is simplified, but driver fatigue increases during long-term operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or intermittent magnetic force assistance rather than continuous mechanical resistance. The magnetic force module activates selectively based on operating conditions, providing assistance when needed (during transitions or when detection confidence is low) and remaining inactive when the driver's input is clear. This periodic action reduces cumulative driver fatigue while maintaining simple operation mechanics.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the entire pedal apparatus is popped up and hidden to implement foldable function, then the autonomous driving mode is enabled, but the overall size of the pedal apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the foldable mechanism entirely from the pedal apparatus, replacing it with a fixed, compact pressure-sensitive design. The electronic pedal system achieves adaptability between manual and autonomous driving modes through electronic detection and command generation rather than physical folding. This extraction eliminates the volume increase associated with pop-up and hiding mechanisms while maintaining the required versatility.
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 allows drivers to operate pedals with reduced effort and clear recognition, reducing fatigue while implementing a compact foldable mechanism that simplifies configuration and reduces weight and costs, enhancing the safety and comfort of autonomous driving experiences.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic force modules provided on the pedal housing and the pedals, respectively while facing each other and configured to implement an operating force of the pedals by use of a magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
a mechanism for implementing a foldable function has a compact size by use of an electromagnet, which makes it possible to simplify a configuration and reduce a weight and costs
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic pedal apparatus is configured so that a driver may operate a pedal 200 with a small effort, the electronic pedal apparatus may operate by fine displacement during the operation of the pedals, the pedals apparatus may allow the driver to clearly recognize an operating situation of the pedals by use of a magnetic force (repulsive force) having a quadratic function graph, and a compact mechanism having a foldable function may be implemented by use of an electromagnet that changes in polarity.