Multi-Function Refuse Vehicle Pedal for Regen Braking Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles lack efficient systems for seamlessly transitioning between acceleration and regenerative braking based on operator input, leading to suboptimal energy management and control.
Innovation Solution
A refuse vehicle equipped with a pedal system that utilizes processing circuitry to determine acceleration or regenerative braking modes based on the amount of pedal depression, employing linear and non-linear relationships, including a sigmoid function, to manage energy consumption and generation effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single pedal is used for both acceleration and braking control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for sophisticated processing circuitry to distinguish between acceleration and regenerative braking modes
Solution Approach 1:
The single pedal is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both acceleration and regenerative braking. The processing circuitry analyzes the pedal depression amount and automatically determines whether to apply acceleration or regenerative braking based on the calculated value, eliminating the need for separate acceleration and brake pedals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the pedal depression amount, calculates a determination value, and uses this feedback to automatically switch between acceleration and regenerative braking modes. This closed-loop control allows the system to respond dynamically to operator input while managing energy recovery.
2Use of energy by moving object
If regenerative braking is implemented, then the use of energy is improved through energy recovery, but the loss of energy may increase due to energy dissipation during the transition between acceleration and regenerative braking modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates a determination value based on pedal depression amount before actually switching modes. By anticipating the operator's intent through the pedal input, the system can smoothly transition between acceleration and regenerative braking, minimizing energy loss during mode transitions and maximizing energy recovery opportunities.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the transition point for mode switching is set at a lower pedal depression amount, then the regenerative braking engagement is improved, but the acceleration response is worsened due to the deadband region
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the determination value calculation based on pedal depression amount. By modifying the threshold and deadband parameters in the control logic, the system optimizes the balance between early regenerative braking engagement and maintaining responsive acceleration, adapting to different operating conditions.
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
Enhances energy efficiency by optimizing acceleration and regenerative braking, improving vehicle control and energy management through precise pedal-based operations.
Implementation Method 1
the drive motor is configured to consume electrical energy to drive a tractive element to transport the refuse vehicle, or be back-driven by the tractive element to generate electrical energy and provide regenerative braking
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes a motor, a battery, a pedal, and processing circuitry. The motor consumes electrical energy transport the refuse vehicle, or is back-driven to generate electrical energy and provide regenerative braking. The processing circuitry obtains an amount of depression from the pedal, and compares the amount of depression to a transition point. In response to the amount of depression of the pedal exceeding the transition point, the processing circuitry uses a linear relationship and the amount of depression to operate the motor to provide a requested amount of acceleration for transportation. In response to the amount of depression of the pedal being less than the transition point, the processing circuitry uses a non-linear relationship and the amount of depression of the pedal to operate the motor to provide a requested amount of regenerative braking.