Retractable Vehicle Pedal Assembly with Helical Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automated vehicles, the need arises for a system that can retract and stow pedals to avoid unintentional control inputs and enhance occupant comfort, as human intervention is less necessary with increasing automation levels.
Innovation Solution
A retractable and stowable pedal assembly is designed, featuring a housing with an actuator that moves the pedal between a deployed and stowed position based on operating conditions, using a helical groove mechanism and alignment members to ensure smooth transition and secure stowage, controlled by a controller that responds to automated driving system modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pedals are permanently deployed for manual driving control, then ease of operation is improved, but unintentional control inputs and reduced occupant comfort occur during automated driving
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal assembly transitions from a static permanently deployed state to a dynamic reconfigurable state, automatically moving between deployed and retracted positions based on driving mode. The actuator system enables the pedal to adapt its position dynamically, being deployed during manual driving for ease of operation and retracted during automated driving to prevent unintentional inputs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pedals are retracted during automated driving, then occupant comfort is improved, but accessibility for manual intervention is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pedal position based on real-time detection of automated driving mode. When automated driving is active, the pedal retracts to enhance occupant comfort and prevent accidental contact. When manual intervention is required or automated mode is deactivated, the pedal automatically deploys to restore accessibility, ensuring the system adapts to current operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback signals from the automated driving system to determine when pedals should be retracted or deployed. This feedback mechanism ensures the pedal position aligns with the current driving mode, automatically transitioning between states to balance comfort and accessibility based on system status.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable pedal mechanism is implemented, then adaptability to automated driving modes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the pedal body, the actuator mechanism, the stowing member with helical groove, and the controller. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and maintenance while enabling complex retraction and deployment behavior through coordinated operation of simpler individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The stowing member with helical groove acts as an intermediary mechanism between the linear actuator motion and the pedal's retraction/deployment. The helical groove converts the actuator's linear movement into the rotational or translational motion needed for pedal stowing, providing a mechanical intermediary that simplifies the control architecture while achieving the desired adaptability.
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 effectively removes pedals from the operator's reach when not needed, preventing unintentional inputs and improving comfort by ensuring they are only accessible when human intervention is required, thus enhancing the user experience in automated driving scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator enclosed within the housing and operably coupled to the pedal. The actuator is configured to selectively move the pedal between a deployed position with respect to the housing and a stowed position with respect to the housing
Implementation Method 2
the stowing member includes a helical groove in engagement with the actuator such that translation of the actuator drives the stowing member in translation and rotation
Implementation Method 3
an alignment member coupled to the pedal and the housing includes a recessed area configured to receive the alignment member such that when the alignment member is engaged within a first area of the recessed area the pedal is actuatable by the occupant and when the alignment member is engaged within a second area of the recessed area the pedal is in a stowed position
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 housing and at least one pedal coupled to the housing and the at least one pedal is actuatable by an occupant. The vehicle also includes an actuator operably coupled to the pedal and enclosed within the housing. The actuator is configured to selectively move the pedal relative to the housing 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 pedal to the first position, and, in response to satisfaction of a second operating condition, control the actuator to move the pedal to the second position.