Variable Damping Accelerator Pedal for Freewheeling Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for alerting drivers to freewheeling phases in vehicles, such as haptic systems and non-linear spring stiffness in accelerator pedals, are complex, expensive, and fail to accurately inform drivers about potential freewheeling situations, especially when releasing pressure.
Innovation Solution
A control device with damping means secured to the accelerator pedal, featuring a higher stiffness coefficient in specific angular positions, providing sudden force variations to alert drivers of freewheeling, with optional variations based on depression or release speed and vehicle speed, and an eccentric mechanism to adjust the freewheel zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If haptic systems with force feedback are added to the accelerator pedal to alert the driver of freewheeling phases, then driver awareness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alerting function from a complex haptic feedback system and implements it through a simplified mechanical damping mechanism integrated into the accelerator pedal. The damping means directly modifies the pedal's mechanical characteristics to provide tactile feedback during freewheeling phases, eliminating the need for separate haptic actuators and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping means utilizes the natural mechanical motion of the accelerator pedal itself to generate the alerting effect. By varying damping characteristics based on pedal position and velocity, the system automatically provides tactile feedback without requiring external power sources or complex control electronics, making the pedal self-sufficient for the alerting function.
2Loss of information
If non-linear spring stiffness is coupled to the accelerator pedal to indicate freewheeling, then driver feedback is provided, but the solution fails to accurately identify freewheeling phases during pedal release and requires multiple pumpings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static non-linear spring stiffness system to a dynamic damping system that adapts its characteristics in real-time. The damping coefficient varies dynamically based on pedal position and velocity, enabling accurate identification of freewheeling phases during both depression and release motions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide precise feedback without requiring multiple pedal pumpings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the damping parameter based on operational conditions (pedal position and velocity). By adjusting the damping coefficient according to the current state of the pedal, the system accurately identifies freewheeling phases across different motion scenarios, including both depression and release, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring repetitive actions from the driver.
3Loss of energy
If variable damping with higher stiffness coefficient is applied in specific angular zones to alert drivers, then energy consumption is reduced through immediate driver response, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the damping control function with the existing accelerator pedal mechanism. The damping means is integrated into the pedal assembly, combining the alerting function with the primary acceleration control function. This integration avoids adding separate complex systems while achieving energy savings through improved driver response to freewheeling phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping system operates autonomously based on predetermined criteria related to vehicle operating conditions and pedal position. It automatically adjusts damping characteristics without requiring complex external control systems, enabling immediate driver response to freewheeling phases and thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining system simplicity.
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 instant driver awareness of freewheeling, reducing energy consumption by providing clear feedback through force changes, and optimizing pedal operation with minimal disturbance during maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
damping means, on the one hand, secured to an intermediate part of the accelerator pedal and intended to be secured to the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
arranged to have a greater coefficient of stiffness in a zone corresponding to intermediate angular positions of the accelerator pedal
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device (D) is intended to control the acceleration of a vehicle and comprises an accelerator pedal (PA) intended to be rotatably mounted in the vehicle, and damping means (MA) attached, on the one hand, to an intermediate portion (PI) of the accelerator pedal (PA) and to the vehicle, and, on the other hand, arranged to exhibit a higher stiffness coefficient in a zone corresponding to intermediate angular positions of the accelerator pedal (PA) belonging to an interval having a predefined difference between its minimum and maximum values. Thus, the driver feels with their foot, which actuates the accelerator pedal (PA), when the latter (PA) is in this zone.