Electric Motor Torque Control for Vehicle Pitching Notifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle notification systems face challenges in providing haptic feedback to drivers and occupants without increasing costs or requiring additional hardware, especially during autonomous driving and when noise needs to be minimized.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control method using an electric motor to generate a pitching motion of the vehicle body, allowing for haptic information transfer to all occupants without separate hardware, by calculating torque values based on driving state information and driver requests, and controlling the motor to produce specific torque waveforms for intuitive notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a haptic feedback function is added to the accelerator pedal, then the driver can receive driving-related information through haptic feedback, but additional parts and design changes are required which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the notification function with the existing accelerator pedal assembly by integrating a notification generator that produces notification force directly into the pedal structure. This merging approach allows the pedal to serve dual purposes: acceleration control and haptic notification delivery, eliminating the need for separate haptic feedback devices and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerator pedal is designed to perform multiple functions: primary acceleration control and secondary haptic notification delivery. The notification generator integrated into the pedal enables it to convey various types of information (visual, audible, haptic) through the same interface, making the pedal a universal communication channel between the vehicle system and the driver.
2Reliability
If the accelerator pedal is used for haptic feedback during autonomous driving, then driver notification is possible, but the pedal is not manipulated during autonomous driving making haptic function ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of the notification function based on driving mode. The system detects whether the vehicle is in manual or autonomous driving mode and adjusts the notification delivery accordingly. During autonomous driving, the notification generator can still produce haptic feedback through the pedal even when not manipulated, ensuring continuous notification capability across all operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor driving mode and pedal manipulation state to dynamically adjust notification delivery. This feedback loop ensures that haptic notifications are effectively delivered regardless of whether the driver is actively manipulating the pedal or the vehicle is in autonomous mode, maintaining reliable communication in all scenarios.
3Loss of information
If sound is used for notification functions, then information can be conveyed to occupants, but noise is increased in baby mode, occupant sleeping mode, or similar quiet modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different notification modalities to different occupants and situations. The notification generator can deliver visual, audible, or haptic notifications selectively based on the detected situation (e.g., baby mode, sleeping mode). In quiet modes, haptic and visual notifications are prioritized for occupants sensitive to noise, while audible notifications remain available for the driver when appropriate, creating localized quality adjustments throughout the vehicle cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes notification parameters based on driving mode and occupant state. When quiet modes are detected (baby mode, sleeping mode), the system adjusts notification delivery by reducing or eliminating audible notifications that would create noise disturbance, while maintaining haptic and visual notification capabilities. This parameter adjustment ensures effective information delivery without causing harmful noise effects in sensitive situations.
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
Enables effective haptic notification to all vehicle occupants through controlled pitching motions, minimizing noise in quiet modes, and providing intuitive feedback without additional hardware, enhancing occupant satisfaction and safety.
Implementation Method 1
calculating, by a controller, a first torque value for providing a pitching motion
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a vehicle including an electric motor and a method of controlling the same for providing a notification function to an occupant of the vehicle by controlling a pitching motion of a vehicle body. The method includes calculating a first torque value for providing the pitching motion based on driving state information including a vehicle speed, a driving mode, and an environment of a driving road; calculating a second torque value based on a request of a driver; and calculating a final torque value for controlling the electric motor based on the first torque value and the second torque value.