Multi-function Vehicle Control Device Using Left Foot Pedal

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity of vehicle control systems requires more hand-operated controls, diverting the driver's attention from the road, and the left foot remains underutilized, necessitating a solution to integrate additional control functions without compromising safety or convenience.

Innovation Solution

A multi-function vehicle control device utilizing a user-depressible pedal with a microcontroller to detect and correlate various pedal movements to execute predetermined vehicle control actions, allowing for hands-free operation and utilizing the left foot for control functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of hand-operated controls is increased to accommodate more driving modes and electric motor controls, then the vehicle control functionality is improved, but the driver's attention is diverted from the road, worsening safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle control functionalityVSAvoiddriving safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The left foot pedal is designed to perform multiple control functions beyond its traditional acceleration role. By integrating mode selection, electric motor control, and other vehicle functions into a single pedal operated by the left foot, the system achieves multi-functionality without adding hand-operated controls, thereby maintaining driving safety while enhancing vehicle control adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the left foot is utilized for additional control functions, then the control device versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol device functionalityVSAvoidcontrol system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pedal system is segmented into distinct functional zones and detection mechanisms. Different regions of the pedal travel range correspond to different control functions, and multiple sensors detect specific pedal positions and movement characteristics. This segmentation allows the complex multi-function control system to be organized into manageable, modular components that can be independently calibrated and maintained

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and control mechanisms are integrated into the pedal system, then the control precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedal position detection accuracyVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensor functions and control mechanisms are merged into an integrated pedal assembly. The system combines acceleration detection, position sensing, and mode control within a single unified pedal structure, allowing for centralized manufacturing and testing. This merging reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled and calibrated independently, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining high control precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10670141B1Multi-function vehicle control device

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 CONLEY JOHN JASON

AI summary

A vehicle control device includes a user-depressible portion that in some examples takes the form of a third foot pedal. The user-depressible portion may be depressed to varying degrees and then released to varying degrees. The degree and type of pedal movement is analyzed to determine one of a predetermined plurality of vehicle control functions that the drives wishes to perform.