Tow-Mode Pedal Gain Adjustment for Variable Trailer Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle systems lack driver control over pedal gain when towing, offering only binary tow or normal modes without adjustable settings to accommodate varying trailer sizes and loads, limiting the driving experience.
Innovation Solution
A pedal gain adjustment system that includes a user input device and an electronic control unit (ECU) to allow drivers to adjust pedal gain based on user input, determining the vehicle's tow mode and adjusting the pedal gain accordingly, using a database with acceleration maps to customize the driving experience according to trailer size and load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed calibration for tow mode is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the driver cannot adjust pedal gain for different trailer sizes and loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability of pedal gain within the tow mode, allowing the driver to modify the parameter in real-time based on trailer size and load conditions. This transforms a static fixed calibration system into a dynamic adjustable one, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by providing flexibility through a user-friendly interface without requiring complex hardware changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the driver to change the pedal gain parameter directly through a user input device, allowing adjustment of the accelerator pedal mapping to account for varying trailer weights and sizes. This parameter change capability provides versatility in adapting to different towing conditions while maintaining system simplicity through software-based control
2Adaptability or versatility
If binary tow or normal mode selection is provided, then the control system is simple, but the driver cannot modify driving characteristics for varying trailer sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tow mode into multiple adjustable configurations by allowing independent modification of pedal gain and shift schedule parameters. This segmentation enables drivers to customize driving characteristics for different trailer sizes and loads while maintaining the simple binary mode selection structure, thus providing adaptability without compromising ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If pedal gain is fixed for tow mode, then the system requires minimal controls, but the driving experience cannot be optimized for different trailer loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows modification of the pedal mapping parameter (pedal gain) within the tow mode to optimize driving experience for different trailer loads. By enabling software-based parameter adjustment through a simple user interface, the system provides pedal mapping flexibility without introducing complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, devices and apparatuses for a pedal gain adjustment system. The pedal gain adjustment system includes a user input device configured to receive user input data indicating a desired pedal setting of the vehicle, and an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the user input device. The ECU is configured to determine the vehicle is operating in a tow mode, receive the user input data via the user input device, and adjust the pedal gain based on the user input data.