Vehicle Control Device Left Foot Switch Pedal State Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control devices lack the ability to seamlessly switch to a cooperative driving state without interfering with the driver's operations, as they do not effectively accept the driver's intention for state changes.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control device with a switch pedal on the left side, allowing drivers to switch states using their left foot, featuring a stepped state detection unit and a driving state switching unit that adjusts the degree of system intervention based on the driver's intended operation, enabling smooth transitions between automatic, cooperative, and manual driving states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a switch pedal is provided on the left side of the vehicle, then the driver can switch driving states using the left foot without interfering with driving operations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch pedal acts as an intermediary device that enables the driver to communicate state-switching intentions to the vehicle control system without interfering with primary driving operations. By providing a dedicated left-foot-operated pedal, the system mediates between the driver's intent and the automatic/cooperative driving modes, resolving the contradiction by adding a simple interface element rather than complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The driving operation is segmented into distinct functions: the left foot operates the switch pedal for state transitions, while the right foot maintains control of the accelerator and brake pedals. This segmentation allows independent operation of state switching without interfering with primary driving controls, improving ease of operation while keeping each control element simple
2Ease of operation
If the driving state is switched to cooperative driving state based on switch pedal detection, then the driver's intention is accepted without interfering with driving operation, but the reliability of state switching may be affected by inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection mechanisms with sensor-based detection systems that can accurately sense the switch pedal's stepped state. This substitution improves reliability by using electronic sensors that provide precise, consistent detection without the mechanical wear or ambiguity issues inherent in purely mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The stepped state detection unit provides real-time feedback to the driving state switching unit about the switch pedal's state. This feedback mechanism ensures that state transitions occur only when the driver intentionally activates the switch pedal, maintaining reliability by confirming the driver's intent through detectable physical action rather than relying on ambiguous signals
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a vehicle control device capable of switching a driving state of the vehicle, including a switch pedal configured to be provided on a left side of the vehicle rather than an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal of the vehicle; a stepped state detection unit configured to detect a stepped state of the switch pedal; and a driving state switching unit configured to switch the driving state of the vehicle to an automatic driving state, a cooperative driving state and a manual driving state, wherein the driving state switching unit is configured to switch the driving state to the cooperative driving state in a case where stepping of the switch pedal is detected by the stepped state detection unit when the driving state is the automatic driving state.