Passive Pedal Torque Control for Driver-Autonomy Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle route optimization systems struggle to seamlessly transition control between a driver and a vehicle system, particularly in dynamic traffic conditions or when quick manual intervention is required.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for selectively assigning vehicle control based on route data, driver requested torque values, and passive pedal torque values, allowing control to be dynamically shifted between the driver and the vehicle system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If control is assigned to the vehicle system for autonomous driving, then resource utilization is improved, but the driver's ability to quickly intervene manually is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control assignment system dynamically switches between autonomous and manual control modes based on real-time conditions. The passive pedal mechanism allows the driver to instantly override autonomous control by applying physical force, creating a dynamic control architecture that adapts to changing driving situations without requiring complex electronic overrides.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive pedal acts as an intermediary mechanism between the driver and the autonomous control system. It provides a mechanical interface that allows the driver to communicate intent to the vehicle system through physical pedal application, enabling seamless transition from autonomous to manual control while maintaining system resource efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If a cruise control mechanism is implemented for control transition, then control assignment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of control transition from complex electronic cruise control systems and implements it through a simple passive mechanical pedal mechanism. By removing the need for electronic cruise control hardware and software, the system achieves control assignment functionality with minimal device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive pedal mechanism is self-regulating and requires no additional control systems. When the driver applies force to the pedal, the system automatically detects the input and transitions control accordingly, eliminating the need for complex electronic sensors, processors, and control algorithms that would be required in a traditional cruise control implementation.
3Reliability
If the driver maintains full manual control, then safety is improved, but resource utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial manual control through the passive pedal mechanism, where the driver only needs to apply minimal physical force to the pedal to override autonomous control when needed. This partial action approach maintains safety by preserving manual intervention capability while allowing autonomous control to manage routine operations, thereby optimizing resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system applies different quality levels to different driving situations. During normal autonomous operation, the system operates with high automation to conserve resources. When the driver applies force to the passive pedal, the system locally switches to manual control mode, providing enhanced safety precisely where and when the driver needs it without maintaining constant manual control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assignment of vehicle control includes receiving route data indicating a route between a starting location of a vehicle and a destination location, and determining an optimal vehicle configuration for the route based on a target vehicle speed and a hybrid torque split. The method further includes receiving a driver requested torque value and determining a passive pedal torque value based on the route data and vehicle powertrain data. The method further includes selectively assigning control of the vehicle to a vehicle system or to a driver of the vehicle based on the driver requested torque value and the passive pedal torque value.