Pedal Actuator State Determination Using Force and Position Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles with electronic 'fly-by-wire' systems for pedal actuators lack direct feedback, making it difficult to detect faults in pedal actuator systems with high confidence, which can lead to safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses both position and force sensors to determine the state of pedal actuators, identifying normal or fault states by comparing sensor signals, and performs remedial actions such as notifications or adjustments to vehicle control when faults are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic fly-by-wire systems are used for pedal actuators, then vehicle control precision and safety are improved, but the ability to detect faults with high confidence deteriorates due to lack of direct feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring both position sensor signals and force sensor signals from the pedal actuator system. The controller compares the expected force (based on position) with the actual measured force, creating a closed-loop feedback system that enables fault detection in electronic fly-by-wire pedal actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary diagnostic system that mediates between the position sensor and force sensor signals. This intermediary layer analyzes the relationship between position and force measurements to detect inconsistencies, serving as a mediator that enhances fault detection capability without altering the primary fly-by-wire control system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (position and force) are used to determine pedal actuator state, then fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor system multi-functional by using the same position and force sensors for both normal operation monitoring and fault detection. The controller performs dual functions: controlling vehicle response based on pedal position and diagnosing faults by comparing position-force relationships, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the fault detection functionality with the existing control system by combining position sensor and force sensor data processing in a single controller. This integration approach consolidates multiple functions into one system, reducing overall complexity despite using multiple sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining the state of a pedal actuator system within a vehicle includes receiving a position sensor signal indicative of a position of an actuator pedal within the pedal actuator system, receiving a force sensor signal indicative of a compressive force applied to the actuator pedal, and determining, with a processor, a state of the actuator pedal based on the position sensor signal and the force sensor signal. The state of the actuator pedal is one of a normal operating state and a fault state.