Accelerator Pedal Arm Opening Sealing via Curved Rotatable Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accelerator apparatuses are vulnerable to foreign objects entering through openings, which can disrupt their functionality by allowing debris to intrude into the supporting member, affecting the proper operation of the accelerator pedal mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a supporting member with a specifically angled opening that prevents foreign objects from entering by using a protruding curved surface on the rotatable body, which directs objects away from the interior space, and includes a rotational angle sensing device and urging device to manage pedal force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the supporting member has an opening for the pedal arm to move through, then the pedal arm can rotate freely in the accelerator opening and closing directions, but foreign objects may enter the interior of the supporting member through this opening
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable body is provided with a protruding curved surface that protrudes in the projecting direction of the pedal arm from the rotatable body. This curved surface is configured to prevent foreign objects from entering the interior of the supporting member while allowing the pedal arm to rotate freely through the opening. The curved geometry redirects foreign objects away from the opening without interfering with the normal rotational movement of the pedal arm.
2Ease of operation
If the pedal arm extends through the opening from the rotatable body, then the pedal arm can be depressed by the driver, but foreign objects can enter the interior space
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding curved surface on the rotatable body creates a protective barrier that maintains the opening necessary for pedal operation while preventing foreign object intrusion. The curved geometry is specifically designed to redirect potential foreign objects away from the interior space without obstructing the pedal arm's movement path during depression and release.
3Reliability
If the rotatable body has a protruding curved surface to prevent foreign objects, then foreign object entry is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding curved surface on the rotatable body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural component of the rotatable body, provides the rotational interface for the pedal arm, and functions as a protective barrier against foreign object entry. By integrating the foreign object prevention feature into the existing rotatable body structure rather than adding a separate component, the design achieves protection without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the durability and reliability of the accelerator apparatus by minimizing the entry of foreign objects and reducing the required pedal force for operation, thereby improving user experience and maintaining system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The urging device is received in the interior of the supporting member and urges the shaft in the accelerator closing direction to rotate the shaft in the accelerator closing direction
Implementation Method 2
The rotational angle sensing device is received in the interior of the supporting member and senses a rotational angle of the shaft relative to the supporting member
Implementation Method 3
The hysteresis mechanism makes a pedal force, which is applied to the accelerator pedal at the time of depressing the accelerator pedal, to be larger than a pedal force, which is applied to the accelerator pedal at the time of releasing the depressed accelerator pedal
Data Source
AI summary
At a supporting member, an angle between an imaginary extension plane of an outer surface of a first partition wall and an imaginary extension plane of an upper surface of a pedal arm is one of an obtuse angle and a right angle. An angle between an imaginary extension plane of an outer surface of a third partition wall and an imaginary extension plane of a lower surface of the pedal arm is one of an obtuse angle and a right angle.