Accelerator Pedal Locking Control for Disturbance-Induced Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional accelerator pedal systems fail to prevent unintended vehicle acceleration due to accidental depression of the pedal caused by disturbances like deceleration or vibration, leading to loss of control over vehicle drive force.
Innovation Solution
An accelerator pedal system comprising a pedal lever, a lock mechanism, and an actuator controlled by a controller that restricts the operation of the pedal lever and suppresses vehicle drive force when disturbances are detected, ensuring the pedal lever remains locked unless intentionally operated by the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the accelerator pedal is made to function as a footrest by increasing reaction force, then the driver's foot comfort is improved, but the pedal may be accidentally depressed due to disturbances like deceleration or vibration, leading to unintended acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism proactively prevents unintended pedal depression by mechanically locking the pedal in the footrest position before disturbances can cause accidental acceleration. The system applies counter-action in advance by detecting disturbances and engaging the lock mechanism to counteract potential harmful movements of the pedal.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the pedal and the driver's foot, physically blocking the pedal from moving when locked. This intermediary component transfers the locking force to the pedal, preventing direct transmission of disturbance forces that would otherwise cause unintended acceleration.
2Reliability
If the lock mechanism is engaged to prevent accidental depression, then the reliability against unintended acceleration is improved, but the ease of pedal operation for intentional acceleration may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism dynamically switches between locked and unlocked states based on driving conditions. During automatic driving, the pedal is locked to prevent accidental depression. When the driver intends to accelerate, the system detects the intentional input and automatically unlocks the pedal, allowing smooth operation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pedal position, acceleration requests, and disturbance forces to determine whether to engage or disengage the lock mechanism. This feedback loop ensures the lock is activated only when needed for safety and released when the driver intends to accelerate, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the vehicle drive force is suppressed when disturbance is detected, then the safety against unintended acceleration is improved, but the responsiveness to legitimate driver acceleration requests may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting disturbances and proactively suppressing drive force before unintended acceleration can occur. When a disturbance is detected, the control unit preemptively reduces engine output, preventing potential harmful acceleration while maintaining readiness to respond to legitimate driver requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive force suppression is dynamically adjusted based on the detected disturbance characteristics and pedal position. The system applies varying degrees of suppression that are sufficient to prevent unintended acceleration but minimal enough to allow quick response when the driver legitimately requests acceleration, optimizing both safety and responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
An accelerator pedal system includes a pedal lever, a lock mechanism, an actuator, and an ECU. The pedal lever operates according to a step-on operation. The lock mechanism can restrict an operation of the pedal lever. The actuator switches between a locked state in which the operation of the pedal lever is restricted by the lock mechanism and an unlocked state in which the operation of the pedal lever is not restricted. The ECU includes an actuator control unit and a vehicle drive force control unit. The actuator control unit controls a drive of the actuator. When, during a travel of a vehicle in the locked state, (i) a disturbance is detected and (ii) the locked state is released, the vehicle drive control unit suppresses a vehicle drive force according to an opening degree of the pedal lever than a no disturbance situation.