Single-Pedal Vehicle Braking Control for Natural Gliding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The driving mode with a single pedal in advanced motor vehicles, which controls acceleration and braking through the accelerator pedal, lacks driving convenience and comfort due to the inability to mimic the subtle control habits of drivers who release the pedal for gliding without braking, a habit impossible in this mode.

Innovation Solution

A control system that uses a control unit to detect the movement of the accelerator pedal, determine acceleration and braking parameters, and adjust the braking device based on road and traffic conditions, using a model identification method to adapt to the driver's style and optimize energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a driving mode with a single pedal is implemented to maximize energy efficiency, then energy recovery during braking is improved, but driving convenience and comfort deteriorate due to loss of subtle control capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy recovery during brakingVSAvoiddriving convenience and comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the braking behavior based on detected driving styles and road conditions. The control unit modifies the braking response characteristics in real-time to match the driver's preferences and environmental factors, making the single-pedal system feel more natural and comfortable while maintaining energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect driver corrections (when the driver touches the steering wheel or adjusts pedal position) and uses this information to adapt future braking behavior. This continuous learning process allows the system to refine its control strategy to better match driver expectations and improve comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If braking is automatically triggered by accelerator pedal release in single-pedal mode, then energy efficiency is improved, but driving comfort deteriorates due to unexpected braking and loss of gliding capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddriving comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the braking parameter thresholds and response characteristics based on detected driving styles and road conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can differentiate between situations requiring energy recovery braking and situations where gliding is more comfortable, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and driving comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the accelerator pedal is used for both acceleration and braking control, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in detecting driver intent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepedal system complexityVSAvoiddriver intent detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces intermediate detection mechanisms (steering wheel contact sensors, pedal position sensors, acceleration sensors) that act as mediators to accurately detect driver intent. These additional sensors provide supplementary information that helps the control unit distinguish between acceleration requests, braking requests, and gliding intentions, compensating for the reduced clarity of using a single pedal for dual functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 driving comfort and convenience by automatically adjusting braking based on road and traffic conditions, while optimizing energy recovery and safety, and calibrating braking to the driver's specific style.

Implementation Method 1

the braking controlled by the release of the accelerator pedal in the driving mode with a single pedal is performed by the electric machine controlled by the electric generator, so that the braking involves a generation of electric energy storable in a specially provided electric charge storage device, such as a battery, a capacitor, and the like

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4414235B1Process and apparatus for controlling the forward movement of a motor vehicle as a function of route parameters in a driving mode with a single pedal
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 FERRARI SPA
  • EP4414235B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4414235B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4414235B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A process for controlling the forward movement of a motor vehicle (1) with a braking device (3), a control (4) operable between a rest position and an end position, and return means (6) for automatically returning the control to the rest position by a return movement includes the steps of determining at least a first parameter being characteristic of the return movement, determining one or more additional parameters, each of which is representative of one among a morphological state, a regulatory state, a traffic state, and a kinematic state of a portion of the road in front of the motor vehicle (1), and braking the motor vehicle (1) by controlling the braking device (3) as a function of the first parameter and of the determined additional parameters.