Automotive Pedal Box Dynamic Positioning for Autonomous Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automated driving systems, there is a need to manage vehicle control interfaces to prevent unintentional inputs from occupants when the vehicle is in autonomous mode, enhancing occupant comfort and safety by ensuring control elements are accessible when needed and out of the way when not required.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with a pedal box that can be moved between deployed and stowed positions using actuators, controlled by a controller to align with the operational mode of the automated driving system, allowing for automatic positioning based on whether the system is controlling the vehicle or not.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pedal box is kept in a deployed position for manual control, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintentional inputs increases when the vehicle is in autonomous mode
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal box is designed to be dynamically repositionable between deployed and stowed positions based on the operational mode. An actuator automatically moves the pedal box between these positions according to whether the vehicle is in manual or autonomous mode, making the control interface adaptive to current operating conditions and eliminating unintentional inputs during autonomous operation.
2Reliability
If the pedal box is moved to a stowed position during autonomous mode, then safety is improved by preventing unintentional inputs, but ease of operation deteriorates when manual control is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically stowing the pedal box before manual control is needed. The controller monitors the operational mode and proactively positions the pedal box in the stowed position during autonomous mode to prevent unintentional inputs, then quickly deploys it when manual control is required, ensuring both safety and operational readiness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an actuator system is added to move the pedal box, then adaptability is improved by enabling mode-based positioning, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both the stowing and deploying of the pedal box based on a single operational mode signal. The controller integrates with the existing automated driving system architecture, using the same communication protocols and control signals to manage pedal box positioning, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding the movement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive vehicle includes a body having a passenger compartment and at least one pedal box for controlling vehicle acceleration or braking. The pedal box is movably coupled to an interior structural point disposed within the passenger compartment and movable between first and second positions with respect to the structural point. At least one pedal, actuatable by an occupant, is coupled to the pedal box. The vehicle additionally includes an actuator operably coupled to the pedal box and configured to selectively move the pedal box between the first position and the second position. The vehicle further includes at least one controller. The controller is configured to, in response to satisfaction of a first operating condition, control the actuator to move the pedal box to the first position, and, in response to satisfaction of a second operating condition, control the actuator to move the pedal box to the second position.