One of the problems in todays traffic is the incessant flood of acoustical and optical information (e.g. beepers and warning lights). They distract the driver from paying attention to the road, he tends to ignore these signals and sometimes he is not be able to allocate the signal to the root cause of the notification. All disadvantages of the optical and acoustical systems are eliminated by the Force Feedback Pedal FFP:

FFP is the ideal human-machine-interface for longitudinal dynamic functions such as distance information, speed limitations, cruise control and for the indication of warning information.

The FFP consists of a common accelerator pedal (passive function), an electro-mechanical actuator and a control unit to generate an additional force at the pedal plate (active function).

The passive function is to generate a counterforce to the driver's foot und transmit the position of the accelerator pedal to the engine control. It is represented by springs, hysteresis elements as well as a redundant sensor system and it exists always.

The active function is the increase of the counterforce to the driver's foot and is realised by an electro-mechanical actuator, one sensor and a control unit. It is possible to perform a variable counterforce.

Features and advantages

• The counterforce of FFP can clearly be associated with the longitudinal guidance of the vehicle
• The driver receives a clear feedback about the current distance and speed situation
• Indication of warnings (e.g. critical driving situations, speed limitations)
• Intuitive adaption of the system by the driver
• The driver will not be distracted from paying attention to the road
• The driver allways has the last decision

Download (pdf): FFP Specification