Accelerator Pedal Reaction Force Control Across Lever Geometry Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accelerator devices struggle to accurately control the reaction force applied to the pedal lever due to changes in abutment distance and angle with the power transmission member, leading to inconsistent driver feedback.
Innovation Solution
An accelerator device with a pedal lever, actuator, and controller that includes a drive force calculator to adjust the drive force of the motor based on the pedaling amount, using sensors to detect the pedal opening degree and actuator angle, allowing precise control of the reaction force through geometric calculations and correction factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pedal lever moves to change the abutment distance and angle with the power transmission member, then the pedal can be operated through the full range of motion, but the reaction force applied to the pedal lever becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the drive force variable rather than constant. The drive force calculator dynamically adjusts the motor output based on real-time pedal opening degree measurements, compensating for geometric changes in the lever system. This allows the system to maintain consistent reaction force despite changes in abutment distance and angle during pedal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using a pedaling amount detector to measure the actual pedal opening degree and feeding this information back to the drive force calculator. The calculator then adjusts the motor drive force based on this feedback to compensate for geometric variations, ensuring consistent reaction force throughout the pedal's range of motion.
2Device complexity
If a simple transmission mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision of reaction force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical transmission mechanisms with an electric motor and electronic control system. Instead of using intricate mechanical linkages to maintain constant reaction force, the system uses a motor with electronic drive force calculation based on pedal position, achieving precise control with simpler mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being controlled from fixed mechanical geometry to variable electrical drive force. By adjusting the motor's drive force parameter based on pedal opening degree, the system achieves precise reaction force control without requiring complex mechanical parameters or geometries to remain constant.
3Device complexity
If the drive force is kept constant, then the control system is simpler, but the reaction force varies with pedal opening degree
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static constant drive force to a dynamic variable drive force system. The drive force calculator continuously adjusts the motor output based on pedal opening degree, creating a dynamic control system that adapts to changing geometric conditions while maintaining consistent reaction force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback control by measuring pedal opening degree and using this information to adjust drive force. This feedback loop compensates for geometric variations in the lever system, maintaining reliable reaction force consistency without requiring an overly complex mechanical design.
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 device enables precise control of the reaction force applied to the pedal lever, ensuring consistent driver feedback regardless of the pedal's opening degree, enhancing the accuracy and responsiveness of the accelerator system.
Implementation Method 1
The drive source is configured to generate a drive force when being energized
Data Source
AI summary
An accelerator device includes: a pedal lever movable in accordance with a pedaling operation; a drive source configured to generate a drive force when being energized; a power transmission mechanism including an actuator lever that abuts to the pedal lever at a lever abutment point, and configured to transmit the drive force of the drive source to the pedal lever and to apply a reaction force that is a force in a direction opposite to a pedaling direction of the pedal lever; a pedaling amount detector detecting a pedaling amount of the pedal lever; and a controller including a drive force calculator configured to calculate the drive force output from the drive source and to control operation of the drive source. The drive force calculator calculates the drive force corresponding to a target reaction force, based on the pedaling amount.