Smart Pedal Control for Overlapping Brake and Accelerator Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems fail to safely manage overlapping brake and accelerator pedal signals for extended periods, particularly in vehicles with mechanical throttle control, limiting engine RPM to idle and not effectively addressing various driving scenarios, and are not applicable to vehicles with mechanical throttle bodies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine overlapping brake and accelerator pedal signals for predetermined times, implementing smart pedal control modes to limit engine RPM or torque, allowing for safe vehicle operation by adjusting engine output based on actual engine states and pedal signal variations, applicable to both electronic and mechanical throttle systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ECU limits engine RPM to idle RPM when accelerator and brake pedal signals overlap, then vehicle safety is improved, but the control system cannot cope with various driving situations and cannot be applied to mechanical throttle control vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal smart pedal control method that works with both electronic throttle control (ETC) and mechanical throttle control systems. The controller adapts its behavior based on the throttle control type detected, applying RPM limiting for ETC vehicles and torque/acceleration limiting for mechanical throttle vehicles, thereby achieving multi-functionality across different vehicle architectures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes control parameters based on the detected throttle control type. For ETC vehicles, it limits engine RPM to idle RPM. For mechanical throttle vehicles, it limits engine torque to a predetermined value and restricts accelerator pedal operation. This parameter adaptation enables the same control logic to serve multiple vehicle types
2Device complexity
If the ECU applies simple RPM limiting control when pedal signals overlap, then implementation is simplified, but the system fails to address various driving scenarios including mechanical throttle vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control strategies that adapt to different vehicle types and driving conditions. The controller dynamically selects between RPM limiting mode (for ETC vehicles) and torque/acceleration limiting mode (for mechanical throttle vehicles) based on the detected throttle control type, enabling the system to handle various driving scenarios without requiring separate control systems
3Reliability
If the system detects overlapping pedal signals and limits engine output, then dangerous acceleration is prevented, but the control system is not applicable to vehicles with mechanical throttle bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from RPM limiting (effective for ETC) to torque and accelerator pedal operation limiting (effective for mechanical throttle). When a mechanical throttle vehicle is detected, the controller limits engine torque to a predetermined value and restricts the accelerator pedal operation amount, ensuring safety during signal overlap while maintaining compatibility with mechanical throttle systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that identifies the throttle control type (ETC or mechanical) and mediates the selection of appropriate control strategies. This intermediary function allows the system to bridge between different throttle control architectures and apply the correct safety measures for each type
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling driving of a vehicle may include determining whether a vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed, determining whether a signal of an accelerator position sensor (APS) is input as a signal of an accelerator pedal, determining whether a signal of a brake position sensor (BPS) is input as a signal of a brake pedal, determining whether the signal of the BPS is input while overlapping the signal of the APS for over a predetermined time in a state where the signal of the APS is being input, determining whether the signal of the APS is input while overlapping the signal of the BPS for over a predetermined time in a state where the signal of the BPS is first being input, driving an engine in a first smart pedal control mode, and executing a second smart pedal control mode.