Pedal Actuator Force Feedback for Vehicle State Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of agricultural or industrial utility vehicles lack effective feedback on non-optimal operating states, leading to potential engine damage and increased downtime due to the inability to perceive excessive speed or other critical conditions acoustically or visually, especially in soundproofed cabs.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with an actuating device, sensor, and control unit that applies a variable force to the operating pedal based on the vehicle's state variables, providing tactile and visual feedback to the operator about non-optimal operating states, thereby preventing overloading or accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the cab is soundproofed to reduce noise, then operator comfort is improved, but the operator cannot acoustically perceive excessive engine speed or critical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary feedback system that translates acoustic information (engine speed, critical conditions) into tactile signals through the pedal actuator. The control device receives sensor data about engine parameters and converts them into force feedback on the pedal, allowing the operator to perceive critical states through touch rather than sound, thus resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and information loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the acoustic feedback mechanism with a mechanical/tactile feedback mechanism. Instead of relying on sound waves to convey engine state information, the system uses a pedal actuator to apply variable forces directly to the operator's foot, substituting the acoustic information channel with a mechanical one that works effectively within the soundproofed cab environment
2Loss of information
If visual warning displays are used to indicate critical conditions, then information delivery is improved, but operator awareness and immediate reaction are not sufficiently enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements direct force feedback to the pedal that responds in real-time to engine critical states. When sensors detect excessive engine speed or other critical conditions, the control device immediately adjusts the actuator to apply a characteristic force to the pedal, creating direct tactile feedback that enhances operator awareness and enables immediate reaction without relying on visual processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the feedback from the visual dimension (warning lights on displays) to the tactile dimension (force on the pedal). By adding this new dimension of feedback through the foot-pedal interface, the system enhances operator awareness through a different sensory modality that provides more immediate and intuitive response capability
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of engine parameters is implemented, then reliability is improved, but operator perception of non-optimal states remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent closes the feedback loop by connecting the continuous sensor monitoring directly to the pedal actuator through the control device. The system continuously reads engine parameters, compares them against optimal ranges, and immediately translates deviations into tactile feedback forces on the pedal, ensuring the operator perceives non-optimal states in real-time despite continuous monitoring
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
The solution enhances operator awareness of critical vehicle states, optimizing vehicle operation by making non-optimal conditions more perceivable, reducing the risk of engine damage and downtime, and improving overall safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one operating pedal can be subjected to a force with the adjusting device or an actuator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The device (10) has an operating pedal (12) e.g. gas pedal, subjected with forces using an actuating device (22). A sensor (16) detects a condition variable of a commercial vehicle and transmits the variable to a control device (14). The control device determines a condition variable of an actual operating condition of the vehicle. The control device controls the actuating device based on the actual condition such that the pedal is subjected with a preset variable force in order to observe non-optimal condition of the vehicle or of an operating function by an operator. An independent claim is also included for a method for controlling a condition variable of an agricultural and/or industrial commercial vehicle.