Pedal Force Feedback for Fuel-Efficient Engine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of internal-combustion engine vehicles find it difficult to recognize and achieve consumption-optimal acceleration due to the lack of clear feedback on driving pedal positions that result in efficient engine operation, as existing systems rely on instinctive pedal actuation and do not provide straightforward methods to optimize fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that include a control unit to adjust the throttle valve based on both a displacement-dependent load demand and a rotational-speed-dependent consumption-optimal load demand, allowing the driver to activate an efficiency mode by specific pedal actions, which overrides the pedal position to implement the optimal load demand for reduced fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver operates the driving pedal by instinct to achieve acceleration, then the acceleration operation can be performed, but the fuel consumption is not optimized and the driver cannot recognize efficient pedal positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides haptic feedback through force feedback on the driving pedal when the driver operates the pedal in a consumption-inefficient manner. The control unit detects pedal position and engine rotational speed, compares the actual load demand with consumption-optimal values, and generates counteracting forces to guide the driver toward more efficient pedal positions without requiring complex visual interfaces or additional controls.
2Loss of energy
If a counterforce is exerted on the driving pedal when torque is outside the optimal range, then consumption-optimal driving is encouraged, but the system complexity increases with additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes existing vehicle components and sensors that are already present in modern vehicles with electronic throttle control. The control unit leverages available data from pedal position sensors and engine management systems to determine consumption efficiency, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors or complex additional hardware while still providing effective haptic feedback through the existing throttle actuator.
3Loss of energy
If the throttle valve angle is limited to a predefined value below maximal, then fuel consumption is reduced during efficiency mode, but the power output and acceleration performance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the throttle valve angle based on real-time evaluation of consumption efficiency criteria rather than applying a fixed limitation. When efficiency mode is activated, the control unit continuously monitors pedal position, engine rotational speed, and other parameters to determine the optimal throttle angle that balances fuel consumption with required power output, allowing the system to adapt to varying driving conditions and maintain adequate acceleration performance while reducing consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for operating an internal-combustion engine of a motor vehicle having a power actuator and a control unit. The control unit is configured for adjusting the power actuator as a function of a load demand on the basis of a displacement of the driving pedal by the driver, wherein, during an efficiency mode demanded and activated by the driver, independently of the displacement of the driving pedal, a rotational-speed-dependent consumption-optimal first load demand, and as a function of the displacement of the driving pedal, a second load demand, are determined. The control unit is configured for adjusting the power actuator while taking into account the determined first and second load demands.