Stacked One-Pedal Layout With Split Brake and Accelerator Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable pedal devices for autonomous vehicles are cumbersome, require additional space for hiding, and have complex operation mechanisms, leading to increased weight and costs, while also posing a risk of erroneous operation due to exposed pedals.
Innovation Solution
An electronic pedal apparatus with a stacked brake and accelerator pedal module configuration, where the brake pedal is operated forward/rearward and the accelerator pedal is operated transversely, utilizing magnetic detection and concave-convex portions for distinct operation directions and enhanced feedback, allowing for compact design and preventing accidental operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foldable pedal device is used to hide pedals in autonomous mode, then driver comfort and safety are improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pedal module and accelerator pedal module are merged into a single stacked assembly that occupies one pedal position. The brake pedal is positioned above the accelerator pedal, and both pedals share a common mounting structure on the vehicle body panel, eliminating the need for separate pedal mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedals are arranged in a vertical stacking configuration rather than a horizontal layout. The brake pedal module is positioned in the upper layer while the accelerator pedal module is in the lower layer, both extending in the same longitudinal direction. This vertical arrangement maximizes space utilization and simplifies the mechanical structure compared to traditional side-by-side pedal configurations.
2Ease of operation
If pedals are exposed in manual mode, then driver operation is enabled, but risk of erroneous operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pedal and accelerator pedal are designed with asymmetric operational characteristics. The brake pedal has a longer stroke length and different force requirements compared to the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the brake pedal module includes a return spring mechanism that provides distinct tactile feedback, creating an asymmetric operational experience that reduces the likelihood of accidental activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake pedal module incorporates a return spring that provides mechanical feedback to the driver during operation. The spring generates a restoring force that pushes the brake pedal back to its initial position, creating noticeable tactile resistance and feedback that helps the driver distinguish brake pedal activation from accelerator pedal operation, thereby reducing erroneous operations.
3Volume of moving object
If brake pedal and accelerator pedal are stacked, then space utilization is maximized, but operation direction differentiation must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal modules are stacked vertically with the brake pedal module positioned above the accelerator pedal module. Both pedals extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, but their vertical arrangement creates distinct spatial relationships. The brake pedal has a longer stroke in the longitudinal direction, while the accelerator pedal has a shorter stroke, providing clear operational differentiation despite the compact stacked configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pedal module is designed with localized operational characteristics. The brake pedal module features a longer stroke length and different force transmission mechanism compared to the accelerator pedal module. The brake pedal includes a return spring positioned specifically within its module to provide localized tactile feedback, while the accelerator pedal has a different mechanical linkage configuration, ensuring that each pedal maintains its unique operational identity within the stacked assembly.
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
The solution reduces weight and costs, maximizes vehicle space, and ensures safe operation by differentiating pedal directions, providing clear feedback, and preventing erroneous actions.
Implementation Method 1
a brake pedal return spring including first and second opposite end portions connected to the base housing and the brake pedal, respectively and configured to return the brake pedal by moving the brake pedal in a direction, which is opposite to a direction in which the brake pedal is operated
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic sensor provided in the base housing to face the permanent magnet and configured to detect a position of the permanent magnet when a position of the permanent magnet is changed by movement of the brake pedal
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic pedal apparatus includes a brake pedal module and an accelerator pedal module vertically coupled in a stacked manner to form a single one-pedal, which makes it possible to improve utilization of an internal space by implementing a compact size and prevent an erroneous operation and further improve safety at the time of operating pedals by making an operation direction of a brake pedal different from an operation direction of an accelerator pedal.