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Something I thought of when I was studying engineering at Uni (I dropped out) was to fit a small device onto the accelerator cable of a car that can apply varyi
by albahk 18y ago
Something I thought of when I was studying engineering at Uni (I dropped out) was to fit a small device onto the accelerator cable of a car that can apply varying degrees of tension to the pedal. This device would be moderated by the computer in the car to "condition" the driver to adopt a more fuel-efficient driving style. If you drive in a non-fuel efficient manner, there would be more "drag" on the pedal, thus requiring slightly more effort. The "sweet spot" of minimal drag/tension would encourage drivers to maintain a driving style which is the most fuel-efficient speed/acceleration.
This idea depends upon the ability to condition people over time in an almost subconscious manner. Not sure if it would work or not.
- Hexstream 18y agoMaybe people would just develop huge leg muscles on the right leg and then wouldn't notice the drag anymore.
- ejs 18y agoThis is being implemented, http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=130108 http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=130108 From the article: The [Nissan] Eco Pedal is designed to provide a "counter push-back control mechanism" if it senses "excess pressure" on the accelerator. In other words, it does not like lead foots. The premise of this new technology, which Nissan says is a "world first," is to help the driver get an immediate sense that he or she "could be using more fuel than required."
- albahk 18y agoIts good to see these kind of improvements make it through to production cars. Personally, I would be more aware of my fuel efficiency while driving if I had instant feedback. I suppose this is the constant guilt factor.