Electronic Pedal Haptic Feedback With Dual Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic pedal devices for autonomous vehicles face challenges in allowing drivers to easily recognize the operational state of the pedals, which can lead to driver fatigue and safety concerns due to the small operational displacement and complex operation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An electronic pedal apparatus that includes a dual detecting structure using a Hall sensor and a pressure sensor, along with haptic motors to generate distinct haptic signals for the accelerator and brake pedals, allowing drivers to operate the pedals with minimal force and easily recognize their operational state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the operational displacement of the pedal is made very small, then the operation mechanism becomes simple and space efficiency increases, but the driver cannot easily recognize the operational state and may experience fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements haptic motors that generate distinct haptic signals (vibrations) when the accelerator or brake pedal is operated. This tactile feedback mechanism allows the driver to recognize the operational state of the pedals through touch, even when the physical displacement is minimal, thereby resolving the contradiction between small operational displacement and ease of operation recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates illumination units that emit different colors of light (e.g., green for accelerator, red for brake) to indicate the operational state of the pedals. This visual feedback system enables the driver to easily recognize which pedal is being operated and its state, compensating for the reduced tactile displacement and improving operational awareness.
2Device complexity
If the operational displacement of the pedal is made very small, then the operation mechanism becomes simple, but the driver needs to operate the pedal only using force which causes fatigue during long drives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pedal operation mechanisms with a pressure-sensitive detection system that uses sensors (e.g., force sensors, pressure sensors) to detect the driver's input. This substitution allows the system to interpret minimal force applications as operational commands, reducing the physical effort required from the driver while maintaining simple mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces force sensors and pressure sensors as intermediary elements between the driver's foot and the control system. These sensors act as mediators that can detect and translate very small forces into meaningful control signals, allowing the driver to operate the pedals with minimal force while preventing foot fatigue during extended use.
3Reliability
If a foldable pedal device is used to hide the pedal in autonomous mode, then the pedal pad is protected from undesired operation, but a space for hiding is necessary and the operation mechanism becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pedal pad from the traditional fixed position and integrates it into a movable, retractable structure that can be positioned in different locations. By taking out the pedal pad from its conventional fixed mounting and making it relocatable, the system can hide the pedal during autonomous mode to prevent undesired operation while maintaining a simpler overall mechanism compared to complex folding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic pedal positioning system where the pedal pad can be automatically repositioned or retracted based on the driving mode (manual or autonomous). This dynamic adjustment allows the pedal to be hidden when not needed, preventing accidental operation, while using relatively simple actuation mechanisms rather than complex folding structures.
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 enables drivers to operate the pedals with reduced effort and improved recognition of the operational state, thereby reducing driver fatigue and enhancing safety by providing clear haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a first position detecting unit mounted in the pedal housing and the accelerator pedal module to detect pivotal movement of the accelerator pedal module
Implementation Method 2
a second position detecting unit mounted in the pedal housing and the accelerator pedal module to detect pivotal movement of the accelerator pedal module
Implementation Method 3
an accelerator pedal haptic motor and a brake pedal haptic motor respectively mounted to the accelerator pedal pad and the brake pedal pad to generate haptic signals
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic pedal device includes an accelerator pedal module and a brake pedal module that operate in a pressure operation manner, whereby a driver may operate the same with a small force. The driver may easily recognize the operational state of the pedal based on a haptic signal generated during operation of the pedal. Because operation of the pedal is detected through a dual detecting structure using a Hall sensor and a pressure sensor, safety may be further ensured during operation of the pedal.