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The Sensitive Accelerator is composed of an electronic control
unit, an innovative feel forces actuator, and a speed selector with a display. The driver
can preset freely three usual speeds from 20 to 200 km/h, then recall at any time the
speed he wants to monitor. He can also select the instantaneous speed.
When the actual speed reaches the selected speed, the actuator
transforms the error of speed into a variable Force Feedback on the accelerator pedal. The
natural balance between the weight foot and the force feedback stabilizes the speed around
the selected speed. The value of the force and the progressiveness of the action are in
any circumstances monitored by the actuator, without influences of the pedal movements or
localized hardness.
The feeling is always soft and the use of the system is totally
intuitive. The driver can at any time slowdown by relaxing the accelerator pedal or
overpass the specified speed by exercing a moderate but volontary pressure on the pedal.
In order to improve the comfort, the Feel Forces Accelerator detects when the driver wants
really accelerate (by the speed of the movement pedal) and automatically inhibits the
return force for a preset time.
The Sensitive Accelerator can be used in any traffic condition and at any speed, even very
low. In town or on highway it improves confort and safety. It would be a good equipment to
restore a feeling of speed on future electrical or hybrid cars.
The features of the actuator are such that it cannot in anycase
accelerate the car by itself or prevent the driver from accelerating or slowing. In case
of fault system, whatever it could be, will cause only a limited "hardening" of
the accelerator pedal.
Safety equipements can drive a quick increase of the return force to
act as an haptic warning. That gives to the driver more vigilance and faster reflex.
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