Reaction Force Output Device Controller Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reaction force output devices, due to their motor and gear mechanisms, often fail to provide a sufficient high reaction force to the operation element, such as an accelerator pedal, leading to inadequate feedback for the driver.

Innovation Solution

A reaction force output device that includes a gear mechanism to transmit motor force to a driving member and a controller that gradually increases the control amount applied to the motor, maintains it at a constant value, and then increases it stepwise based on the input value, allowing for a higher perceived reaction force by the driver.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a motor and gear mechanism are used to output reaction force to the operation element, then the device structure is complete and functional, but the reaction force output is insufficient and cannot provide desired high reaction force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction force outputVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the control amount variable over time rather than static. The controller dynamically adjusts the control amount in three phases (gradual increase, constant maintenance, stepwise increase) based on the operating state, enabling the reaction force to adapt to different operational requirements and achieve higher perceived force without structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of control amount over time with different rates of change. By varying the control amount from gradual increase to constant value to stepwise increase, the system achieves higher reaction force output through parameter optimization rather than structural modification, resolving the contradiction between force output and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If the control amount is increased rapidly to provide high reaction force, then the reaction force output is improved, but the driver may not perceive the force change effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction force outputVSAvoiddriver perception
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by gradually increasing the control amount before the stepwise increase phase. This preliminary gradual increase prepares the system and allows the driver to progressively perceive the force change, making the subsequent stepwise increase more noticeable and effective, thereby improving driver perception of the reaction force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic action by dividing the control amount increase into distinct phases: gradual increase phase, constant maintenance phase, and stepwise increase phase. This periodic structure with different rates of change enhances driver perception by creating noticeable transitions while maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Speed

If the control amount is increased stepwise without maintaining constant value, then the reaction force responds quickly to input changes, but the driver cannot feel a substantial reaction force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidperceived reaction force
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by maintaining the control amount at a constant value during the middle phase. This constant value phase acts as a cushion that accumulates force buildup, which then enhances the perceived reaction force during the subsequent stepwise increase phase, ensuring the driver feels a substantial force change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by seamlessly connecting the gradual increase phase, constant maintenance phase, and stepwise increase phase. This continuous control strategy maintains force output throughout the operation, ensuring both quick response and substantial perceived force without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 effectively enhances the reaction force output to the operation element, providing a more substantial and noticeable force to the driver, thereby improving accelerator feedback and safety features like suppressing sudden acceleration.

Implementation Method 1

a gear mechanism which is connected to the motor and transmits a driving force of the motor to a driving member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3266637B1Reaction force output device
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 HONDA LOCK MFG CO LTD
  • EP3266637B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3266637B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3266637B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A reaction force output device includes a driving part configured to transmit a driving force of a motor to a driving member through a gear mechanism to drive the driving member, thereby outputting a force in a direction opposite to an operating direction of an operation element to the operation element operated by a driver; and a controller configured to determine a control amount applied to the driving part based on an input value supplied from an outside, wherein the controller gradually increases the control amount, maintains the control amount at a constant value and then increases the control amount stepwise when increasing the control amount according to the input value.