Steering Wheel Feedback Mechanism for Pedal Misapplication Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedal-application-error accident prevention devices are ineffective in preventing accidents caused by mistaken depression of the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal, as they either respond too late or require the driver to adapt to unfamiliar operating procedures, and do not effectively return the accelerator pedal to its original position during panic situations.
Innovation Solution
A pedal-application-error accident preventing device that utilizes a steering-wheel-position changing mechanism and an accelerator-pedal-position adjuster, driven by sensors and electric control equipment, to displace the steering wheel and accelerator pedal in response to the driver's panic actions, providing a reaction force against accelerator pedal depression and returning the pedal to its original position, thereby preventing unintended acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing pedal-application-error accident prevention devices are used to detect mistaken accelerator depression, then detection capability is provided, but the response time is too late to prevent accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel position adjuster performs preliminary action by proactively changing the steering wheel position before the driver can complete the mistaken accelerator depression. When the system detects panic steering input, it immediately adjusts the steering wheel position to a predetermined position, preventing the driver from being able to fully depress the accelerator pedal and thereby preventing the harmful effect before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerator pedal position adjuster applies preliminary anti-action by actively returning the accelerator pedal to its original position when panic steering is detected. This counteracts the driver's mistaken depression action by mechanically returning the pedal to zero position, providing an opposing force that prevents the harmful acceleration from occurring
2Reliability
If devices requiring driver adaptation to unfamiliar operating procedures are used, then prevention capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting panic steering conditions and autonomously executing the prevention actions without requiring any driver input or adaptation. The steering wheel position adjuster and accelerator pedal position adjuster automatically activate based on sensor detection of panic steering, eliminating the need for the driver to learn new operating procedures while maintaining high prevention capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring steering wheel position and accelerator pedal position through sensors, and automatically responding when panic conditions are detected. The control unit receives feedback from the steering angle sensor and accelerator pedal position sensor, and triggers the adjustment mechanisms when panic steering patterns are identified, providing automatic prevention without driver intervention
3Device complexity
If no mechanism is provided to return the accelerator pedal to original position during panic, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent unintended acceleration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerator pedal position adjuster serves as an intermediary mechanism between the driver's mistaken input and the vehicle's acceleration system. When panic steering is detected, this intermediary actively returns the accelerator pedal to its original position, breaking the connection between the driver's erroneous action and the harmful effect of unintended acceleration, thereby enhancing prevention effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces passive mechanical pedal return mechanisms with an active controlled adjustment system. Instead of relying on spring return or mechanical linkages alone, the accelerator pedal position adjuster uses an actuator controlled by the control unit to actively return the pedal to zero position, providing more reliable and faster prevention of unintended acceleration
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal-application-error accident preventing device to be applied to a vehicle includes a steering-wheel-position changing mechanism, a steering-wheel-position adjuster, and an accelerator-pedal-position adjuster. The steering-wheel-position changing mechanism is configured to displace a steering wheel of the vehicle in a vehicle forward-rearward direction. The steering-wheel-position adjuster is configured to displace the steering wheel in accordance with an operation amount of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle such that the steering wheel is positioned further toward a vehicle rearward side as the operation amount of the accelerator pedal operated by a driver who drives the vehicle increases. The accelerator-pedal-position adjuster is configured to displace the accelerator pedal in a direction such that the operation amount of the accelerator pedal returns to zero in a case where the steering wheel is pushed back forward in a state in which the steering wheel is displaced toward the vehicle rearward side.