Accelerator Pedal Circuit Board Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional accelerator pedal devices with drive-by-wire systems face complexity and size issues due to separate circuit boards for position sensors and active control mechanisms, requiring additional components like magnetic shielding plates to prevent magnetic interference.

Innovation Solution

Integration of the position sensor circuit on the control circuit board within the accelerator pedal device, eliminating the need for a dedicated position sensor circuit board and magnetic shielding, while using a torque motor and Hall effect sensors to detect pedal arm position and generate push-back force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate circuit boards are used for position sensor and control unit, then functional separation is achieved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional separationVSAvoidcircuit board configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the position sensor circuit and control unit circuit onto a single circuit board. The control unit includes a microcontroller that integrates both position sensor signal processing and active control mechanism control functions, eliminating the need for separate circuit boards and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional separation through software/module design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If magnetic shielding plate is added to block magnetic field, then magnetic interference is prevented, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic interferenceVSAvoidshielding structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the magnetic field generated by the drive source to drive a rotary magnet, which in turn actuates the return lever to generate push-back force. The magnetic field that could interfere with the position sensor is converted into a useful driving force for the active control mechanism, eliminating the need for magnetic shielding while utilizing the magnetic field constructively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used, then functional independence is maintained, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional independenceVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into unified components: the control unit combines position sensor signal conditioning, processing, and active control output generation on one circuit board; the drive source and return lever form an integrated electromagnetic actuation system. This reduces component count and simplifies assembly while maintaining functional independence through modular design and clear interface definitions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies the device structure, reduces component count and cost, downsizes the system, and prevents magnetic interference without additional shielding, enabling reliable active control.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic position sensor (APS) which detects an angular position of the pedal arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

a drive source which rotationally drives the return lever with electromagnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2724884B1Accelerator pedal device
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 MIKUNI CORP
  • EP2724884B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2724884B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2724884B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an accelerator pedal device of the present invention including a housing (10) which pivotably supports a pedal arm (20), a return spring (30), a magnetic position sensor (40) which detects an angular position of the pedal arm, and a drive source (51), a return lever (52), and a control circuit board (53) serving as an active control mechanism (50) which controls to push back the pedal arm toward a rest position under predetermined conditions, a circuit for a Hall element (44) of the position sensor (40) is arranged on the control circuit board (53). According to the above, a conventionally-required circuit board dedicated to a position sensor is not required to be arranged and the position sensor is connected via bus bars and the like while eliminating lead wire and the like. Thus, it is possible to achieve reduction of assembling manpower, cost reduction, device downsizing, and the like while reducing component count.