Vehicle Creep Speed Control From Partial Pedal Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing creep mode features in vehicles fail to provide driving characteristics that match the driver's preferences due to variations in road inclination, road condition, and vehicle weight, leading to inconsistent vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that detects partial release of accelerator or brake pedals, determines initial traveling speed, and maintains the vehicle at a set creep speed based on this speed, allowing for intelligent adjustment and termination of creep mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed amount of torque is applied in creep mode to propel the vehicle at slow speed, then the vehicle can maintain movement, but the vehicle operation becomes inconsistent due to variations in road inclination, road condition, and vehicle weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic creep speed adjustment by allowing the vehicle to operate at different creep speeds (first creep speed and second creep speed) based on driver input through accelerator pedal depression. The control system transitions from a fixed torque application to a dynamic speed regulation that adapts to driver preferences and operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between operational consistency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the speed parameter dynamically during creep mode operation. By detecting accelerator pedal depression and transitioning between different creep speeds, the system modifies the operating parameters to match driver preferences while maintaining reliable vehicle operation across varying road conditions and inclinations.
2Ease of operation
If the driver controls the creep mode speed by actuating the accelerator pedal and/or brake pedal, then the driving characteristics can match driver preference, but the operator strain increases due to frequent pedal actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by automatically maintaining creep speed without requiring continuous driver intervention. Once creep mode is activated and initial speed is set, the control system autonomously regulates vehicle speed by detecting partial accelerator pedal depression and adjusting torque application, thereby reducing operator strain while preserving control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system responds to partial accelerator pedal depression rather than requiring full pedal actuation. By detecting even minor pedal input and translating it into appropriate creep speed adjustments, the system provides precise control with minimal driver effort, reducing operator strain while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle operates at different speeds based on road conditions and vehicle parameters, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple speed adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs multiple functions using a single integrated mechanism. It detects pedal position, determines driver intent, regulates creep speed, and transitions between different operating modes all through the same control unit that monitors accelerator pedal depression. This universal approach enables speed adaptation across varying conditions without adding complex separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring accelerator pedal position and using this information to automatically adjust creep speed. The control unit receives feedback from the pedal sensor and modifies torque application accordingly, enabling adaptive speed regulation through a relatively simple feedback loop rather than complex open-loop control mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer system is provided. The computer system comprises processing circuitry configured to: detect at least a partial release of at least one of an accelerator pedal (14) or a brake pedal (16) of a vehicle (1); determine that an initial travelling speed is within a predetermined creep activation threshold (240); determine the brake pedal (16) is not depressed and the accelerator pedal (14) is not sufficiently depressed to accelerate the vehicle (1) beyond the initial travelling speed; set an initial creep speed based on the initial travelling speed of the vehicle; and maintain the vehicle (1) at the initial creep speed.