Stowable Pedal Position Detection Using Motor Current Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implementing position sensors for stowable pedal assemblies in vehicles increases part costs and weight, necessitating a cost-effective and weight-efficient method to determine the position of these assemblies without sensors.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing pedal control circuitry that detects the current response of a motor coupled to the stowable pedal assembly, calculating the position based on the current's magnitude and rate of change, identifying states like inrush, steady, and stall states to determine the assembly's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If position sensors are implemented for stowable pedal assemblies, then measurement precision of pedal position is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedal position measurementVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical position sensors with an electrical current-based detection system. The pedal control circuitry monitors current magnitude and rate of change from the motor to infer pedal assembly position, eliminating the need for physical sensors while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses motor current as an intermediary parameter to indirectly determine pedal assembly position. Instead of directly measuring position with sensors, the system measures current (an easily obtainable electrical parameter) and uses it to infer position through calculated relationships between current characteristics and pedal position states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If position sensors are implemented for stowable pedal assemblies, then measurement precision of pedal position is improved, but weight of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedal position measurementVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical position sensors with an electrical current-based detection system. By using existing motor current signals to infer pedal position, the system eliminates additional sensor hardware and associated wiring, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining position measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the motor's own current output as the measurement signal source. The motor control circuitry that already exists to drive the pedal assembly also serves the dual function of providing position information through current monitoring, eliminating the need for separate sensing components and reducing weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If additional sensors are added to determine pedal assembly position, then measurement precision is improved, but parts cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedal position measurementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing motor control circuitry serve multiple functions: it continues to control motor operation while simultaneously determining pedal assembly position through current monitoring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate position sensing components, reducing parts count and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive position sensors with a software-based detection algorithm that processes existing motor current signals. This substitution eliminates additional hardware components and reduces manufacturing complexity, making the system more cost-effective while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables accurate determination of the stowable pedal assembly's position without additional sensors, reducing parts cost and weight, while maintaining operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

detects a current response of the motor to the one or more control signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS12466254B2Methods and apparatus for determining positions of a stowable pedal assembly

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for determining positions of a stowable pedal assembly are disclosed. An example apparatus to determine a position of a stowable pedal assembly of a vehicle includes motor control circuitry to provide a control signal to a motor operatively coupled to the stowable pedal assembly, the motor to cause movement of the stowable pedal assembly toward a desired position, response detection circuitry to detect a current response of the motor to the control signal, and position determination circuitry to determine the position of the stowable pedal assembly based on the current response.