Pedal Sensor System for Seamless Autonomous to Manual Control Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for transitioning control between automated and manual driving modes in vehicles lack efficient and seamless methods to determine user intention and switch between autonomous and manual control modes based on foot movements.
Innovation Solution
A pedal sensor system with proximity sensors and a controller that moves pedals between extended and retracted positions, determining user intention through foot movement analysis and switching vehicle control modes accordingly, ensuring smooth transitions between autonomous and manual control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional control transition methods are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the transition between autonomous and manual control is not seamless and user intention cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: the pedal body, the positioning device with sensors, and the control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling accurate detection of foot movements while maintaining overall system reliability for control transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of foot movements and user intentions before actual control transition occurs. The proximity sensors continuously monitor foot position and movement patterns, allowing the control system to anticipate user intent and prepare for seamless transition between autonomous and manual control modes.
2Measurement precision
If no pedal positioning device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect user intention through foot movement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical foot movement detection mechanisms with electronic proximity sensors. These sensors optically or electromagnetically detect foot position and movement patterns without requiring direct mechanical contact, thereby achieving high measurement precision while minimizing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal positioning device acts as an intermediary between the driver's foot and the control system. It captures foot movement data through sensors and translates this physical movement into electronic signals that the controller can interpret to determine user intention, enabling precise detection without direct coupling.
3Speed
If manual control transition methods are used, then the system is easier to operate, but the transition response time is delayed and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors foot position and movement patterns in advance, allowing it to detect user intention before the driver actually moves the pedals. This preliminary detection enables the control system to prepare for transition and execute it rapidly when the driver's intent is confirmed, achieving fast transition speed while maintaining ease of operation through natural foot movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback by monitoring foot movements and translating them into control transition commands. The proximity sensors detect subtle foot movements toward the pedals and provide real-time feedback to the controller, which automatically initiates the transition process, thereby achieving rapid response without requiring complex manual operations from the driver.
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
Enables precise and user-intention-based switching between autonomous and manual control modes, enhancing safety and user experience by accurately interpreting foot movements and adjusting vehicle control accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
A pedal sensor system with proximity sensors and a controller that moves pedals between extended and retracted positions, determining user intention through foot movement analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a controller in a vehicle in communication with sensors supported on pedals of the vehicle. The controller includes instructions for determining a user intention based on a detected movement of a foot of the user. Upon determination that the user intention is to take over control the vehicle, the controller sets a control mode of the vehicle to a manual control mode.