Accelerator Pedal Arm Positioning for Consistent Reaction Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accelerator devices face issues with variations in the assembling position of the arm relative to the pedal due to gaps in through-holes, leading to inconsistent reaction force application.
Innovation Solution
The accelerator device incorporates a positioner with parallel positioning planar portions that engage with fastener members to allow relative movement parallel to the plane while limiting movement perpendicular to the plane, ensuring proper assembly and reducing variations in the reaction force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If gaps are provided in through-holes for assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The through-hole is segmented into two functional zones: a gap portion that allows assembly tolerance and a positioning planar portion that ensures precise positioning. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the assembly function from the positioning function within the same structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the through-hole are given different properties: the gap portion provides clearance for easy assembly, while the positioning planar portion provides a flat surface for precise positioning. This local differentiation allows both ease of assembly and positioning precision to be achieved in different locations.
2Strength
If the arm is fixed to the pedal with fastener members, then connection strength is improved, but relative movement limitation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two components: fastener members that provide connection strength and positioning planar portions that limit relative movement. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its primary function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning planar portions act as intermediaries between the fastener members and the mating surfaces, controlling relative movement while allowing the fastener members to maintain connection strength. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by mediating between the conflicting requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An accelerator device includes a pedal, an arm, a fastener member and a positioner. The pedal is configured to be depressed by a human driver. The arm is coupled to the pedal and is configured to receive a reaction force from a reaction force application device. The reaction force application device is configured to apply the reaction force to the arm against a pedal force applied from the human driver to the pedal. The fastener member is configured to fix the arm to the pedal. The positioner is configured to limit relative movement between the arm and the pedal. The arm has: a connector that is coupled with the pedal; and a through-hole that is formed at the connector and receives the fastener member through the through-hole. The positioner includes two positioning planar portions which are parallel to each other and are configured to engage with another member.