Vehicle Creep Speed Control Using Pedal Release Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing creep mode features in vehicles do not provide driving characteristics that match the driver's preferences due to variations in road inclination, road conditions, and vehicle weight, leading to inconsistent vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that detects partial release of accelerator and brake pedals, determines initial travelling speed, and maintains a consistent creep speed based on this speed, allowing for adjustments and updates to maintain vehicle control with minimal pedal actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed amount of torque is applied in creep mode to propel the vehicle at slow speed, then the vehicle can maintain motion, but the driving characteristics do not match driver's preference due to variations in road inclination, road condition, and vehicle weight
Solution Approach 1:
The creep mode system dynamically adjusts the creep speed based on detected pedal positions and vehicle conditions. The control system continuously monitors accelerator and brake pedal inputs and modifies the creep speed accordingly, transforming a static fixed-torque system into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to driver intentions and road conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by detecting accelerator and brake pedal positions and using this information to adjust creep speed. The control unit receives continuous feedback from pedal sensors and modifies the torque application to achieve desired creep characteristics, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to driver preferences and road conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the driver manually controls accelerator and brake pedals to adjust creep speed, then driving characteristics can be customized, but operator strain increases due to frequent pedal actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically adjusting creep speed based on detected pedal inputs without requiring continuous manual intervention. Once the driver makes a small pedal input to indicate desired speed, the control system autonomously maintains and adjusts creep speed, eliminating the need for frequent pedal actuation and reducing operator strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting small pedal inputs from the driver and pre-calculating the appropriate creep speed adjustment. Instead of requiring continuous pedal manipulation, the driver's initial small input triggers the control system to establish and maintain the desired creep speed, reducing subsequent operational effort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If creep mode activates at any speed, then the feature is highly versatile, but the vehicle operation becomes inconsistent due to lack of speed context
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of creep activation by introducing a speed threshold criterion. Creep mode is only activated when vehicle speed falls within a specific range, ensuring consistent operational context. This parameter-based activation rule provides stability to vehicle operation while maintaining versatility through configurable speed thresholds.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system is provided. The computer system comprises processing circuitry to detect at least a partial release of at least one of an accelerator pedal or a brake pedal of a vehicle; determine that an initial travelling speed is within a predetermined creep activation threshold; determine the brake pedal is not depressed and the accelerator pedal is not sufficiently depressed to accelerate the vehicle beyond the initial travelling speed; set an initial creep speed based on the initial travelling speed of the vehicle; and maintain the vehicle at the initial creep speed.