The first graph shows a law well
know by experts in ergonomics : how a driver feels the pedal when the return force
increases. (values are specific of an accelerator pedal )
The return force of accelerator pedals is about 20N when the pedal is up. It is between 40
and 60N when the pedal is down, more often around 40N. These values are according to
ergonomic recomandations for an accelerator pedal : the driver can move very often the
pedal without tiredness.
The Feel Forces Accelerator adds a variable return force from zero to a maximum value
which is a programmable data (30N full scale for the prototype). This force increases
progressively when the speed reaches the specified speed. Thus the driver's foot becomes
inconsiously "lighter" and rise up with a soft and natural movement. That
determines a stable speed close to the specified speed with a perfect damping.
The first graph shows that a modulated force of only 20N is enough for an efficient
feeling. In fact the Feel Forces Accelerator brings a more efficient feeling
because the modulated return force is not static, as the return force of a normal pedal,
but dynamic. Small changes in the usual values are enough to modify the balance between
the foot force and the pedal force. Therefore the driver's foot follows inconsiously the
pedal. That explains that speed remains stable with a return force more often small and
always pleasant.
When the speed is around the selected speed, the small error of speed (+/- 3km/h) adjusts
automatically the right return force. If the foot of the driver is a bit
"heavy", error of speed increases the force. If the foot is "light",
error of speed decreases the force.
After a short time of use the driver adjusts unconsiously his behaviour to have a good
balance, as he do with a normal pedal. The force remains always moderate and the active pedal is more confortable than a normal pedal.
The driver find a real pleasure to use it.
The Feel Forces Accelerator is particulary efficient and confortable with modern car which
have often a normal return force equal or less than 40N.
The adaptation of the pedal to what the driver expects,
suggests a freindly advice, never a feeling of constraint. The Feel Forces Accelerator
brings serenity and increases the safety, especially with bad visibility.
It is important to notice that the hightest force is mechanically strictly
limited, close to the standard values. Thus the
force can't be to much hard and the driver can pusch down easily the pedal at any time
without disconfort.
