In article ,
Ignoramus17202 wrote:

Bruce, I liked your write up, but I have a much simpler solution to
proper (read ergonomic and idiot proof) car design, when it comes to
stuck gas pedals. As someone who experienced this situation, I
sympathize with all others who had it.

My proposed solution would be to detect when gas AND brake pedals are
engaged simultaneously, and perform the following:

1) Disengage the transmission
2) Ignore the gas pedal signal and treat it as not depressed at all.

These two things can cure those dangerous situations.

I agree also that any car, no matter how "smart", should have a very
easy means of killing the engine NO MATTER WHAT.

i

I agree, and it should be obvious to anyone how to do it, even under
duress.

Conflicting control input disengagement systems are in the works... and
I suspect will need some critical thought too... remember, there is
still a significant percentage of the population who still exclusively
brake with their left foot.

Also, If the transmission is disengaged as in '1)' above, it won't later
be available to assist with compression breaking.

If the gas petal signal input is just ignored as in '2)' above, it won't
stop a runaway due to ECM or actuator failure holding a throttle valve
open.

I think the system should shut down the ignition, fuel injection and
fuel pump.

Come to think if it, there may be a little more to think of. The driver
who shuts down with a wide open throttle, then pumps the brakes several
times will also be presented with a no power brake boost issue... as the
open throttle won't allow the creation of manifold vacuum. (Much the
same deal for the driver fighting a running runaway, little vacuum
available then as well, and if the brakes are pumped, there goes the
brake booster's remaining stored vacuum reserve...)

Which brings us to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brake-by-wire

Just make ya wanna drink...

There are 'drive by wire' and 'electronic throttle control' articles as
well:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drive_by_wire

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro...rottle_control

Erik