Retractable Brake Pedal Assembly for Automated Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automated vehicles, the need arises for a system that can dynamically manage control interfaces, such as brake pedals, to avoid unintentional inputs and enhance occupant comfort by moving them out of the operator's way when not necessary, particularly during automated driving modes.
Innovation Solution
A retractable and stowable pedal assembly system that includes a brake pedal emulator housing, actuators, and a controller, which moves the pedal interface between a deployed and stowed position based on the vehicle's control mode, using a combination of rotatable and linear actuators and tracks to facilitate translation and rotation of the pedal assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pedal assembly is made retractable and stowable to improve occupant comfort and prevent unintentional inputs during automated driving, then the device complexity increases due to additional actuators and mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal interface is nested within the brake pedal emulator housing, which itself is movable relative to the vehicle floor. The pedal arm rotates within the housing, creating a nested structure where multiple components are housed within each other. This nesting allows the entire pedal assembly to be compactly stored when not in use, reducing the space occupied while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal assembly transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, with the brake pedal emulator housing movable between deployed and stowed positions relative to the vehicle floor. The pedal arm also rotates dynamically between different angular positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, providing comfort during automated driving while maintaining accessibility when manual control is required.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pedal interface is moved out of the operator's way during automated driving, then unintentional control inputs are prevented, but the accessibility of the control interface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the position of the pedal interface based on the operational mode. During automated driving, the brake pedal emulator housing is retracted to a stowed position that moves the pedal interface out of the operator's reach, preventing unintentional inputs. When manual control is needed, the housing is deployed to bring the pedal interface back into accessible position. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by providing both protection against unintentional inputs and maintained accessibility as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake pedal emulator housing acts as an intermediary mechanism between the vehicle floor and the pedal interface. It provides a movable platform that can position the pedal interface in either a deployed or stowed location. This intermediary structure enables the system to transition the pedal interface between accessible and protected states without requiring direct manipulation of the pedal arm or other control components.
3Volume of moving object
If a retractable pedal assembly is implemented to enhance safety and comfort, then the space utilization in the passenger compartment is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested structure of the pedal assembly allows compact packaging within the vehicle floor space. The pedal arm nests within the brake pedal emulator housing, which itself nests within the available floor space when in the stowed position. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization in the passenger compartment while maintaining all necessary functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal assembly is segmented into distinct modular components: the pedal interface, the pedal arm, the brake pedal emulator housing, and the actuator system. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard manufacturing processes, then assembled together. The modular nature reduces overall manufacturing complexity compared to a monolithic design, while still achieving the space-saving retractable functionality.
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
This solution ensures that control interfaces are accessible when needed and out of the way during automated driving, preventing unintentional inputs and improving occupant comfort while allowing for compact packaging and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator includes a rotatable threaded member and the brake pedal emulator housing includes a receiving member rotationally engaged with the threaded member such that rotation of the threaded member drives translation of the brake pedal emulator housing.
Implementation Method 2
the pedal assembly further includes a pedal arm having a first end rotatably coupled to the support member and a second end opposite the first end. Translation of the brake pedal emulator housing rotates the pedal arm relative to the support member.
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive vehicle includes a body having a passenger compartment and a pedal assembly disposed within the passenger compartment. The pedal assembly includes a brake pedal emulator housing and at least one pedal interface coupled to the housing. The vehicle also includes an actuator operably coupled to the brake pedal emulator housing. The actuator is configured to selectively move the housing and the pedal interface between a first position and a second position with respect to the passenger compartment. The vehicle further includes at least one controller in communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to, in response to satisfaction of a first operating condition, control the actuator to move the housing and the pedal interface to the first position, and, in response to satisfaction of a second operating condition, control the actuator to move the housing and the pedal interface to the second position.