Accelerator Pedal Fixed Axis Support for Broken Friction Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accelerator pedals are hindered in operation and experience altered reaction forces if the rocker arm breaks, due to the opposition spring causing mutual splaying of the control lever and rocker arm, affecting pedal functionality.
Innovation Solution
The control lever is supported rotationally in a fixed axis within a stationary seat in the housing, with a pivotable structure constrained by connecting members allowing resilient torsion, enabling operation even if the friction arm breaks, maintaining reaction force from opposition springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control lever is supported rotationally about a movable axis connected to a pivotable rocker arm, then the pedal provides friction feedback through the rocker arm, but the pedal becomes inoperable or experiences altered reaction if the rocker arm breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the rotational support function from the friction feedback function. The control lever is supported by a fixed seat in the housing (providing rotational support), while the friction arm is a separate component that can apply friction independently. This segmentation ensures that if the friction arm breaks, the control lever remains supported and operable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the rotational support function from the rocker arm structure and places it in a fixed seat within the housing. This allows the control lever to be supported independently of the friction feedback mechanism, so that failure of the friction arm does not affect the basic operation of the pedal.
2Force
If the control lever is supported by a pivotable rocker arm with opposition spring, then the pedal provides resilient opposition, but the opposition spring causes mutual splaying of the control lever and rocker arm if the rocker arm breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resilient opposition function from the structural support function. The opposition spring is arranged to act between the control lever and a fixed reaction point in the housing, rather than relying on the rocker arm structure. This ensures that the spring maintains its function even if the friction arm breaks, without causing structural instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the reaction point for the opposition spring from the movable rocker arm structure and fixes it to the housing. This allows the spring to provide resilient opposition independently of the friction arm's structural integrity, preventing mutual splaying when the friction arm fails.
3Reliability
If the control lever rotates about a fixed axis in a stationary seat, then the pedal remains operational even if the friction arm breaks, but the friction feedback is reduced or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts that the friction arm may break, but designs the system so that this failure mode does not compromise safety or operability. The fixed rotational support ensures the pedal remains functional, and the loss of friction feedback is acceptable compared to the alternative of complete failure. The design converts the potential harm of arm breakage into a benign state where the pedal continues to operate.
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
Ensures the accelerator pedal remains operational and responsive, with reduced friction but unaffected spring reaction, enhancing workability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the control lever is supported rotationally in the housing about a fixed axis, in a stationary seat defined in said housing, so that the control lever is able to rotate about said first axis also in the absence of said pivotable structure or its friction arm
Data Source
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AI summary
The accelerator pedal (1) comprises a support housing (2; 3, 4) in which there is mounted a control lever (5) rotatable about a first axis (A), from a first position to a second position, against the action of resilient opposition means (9, 10) arranged between said lever (5) and a reaction arm (12b) of a structure (12) connected to the housing (2; 3, 4) in a pivotable manner about a second axis (B) parallel to the first axis (A). The structure (12) also has a friction arm (12c) adapted to apply a friction force against the lever (5). The arrangement is such that the friction force is variable depending on the variation in the angular position of the lever (5), which is supported rotationally in the housing (2; 3, 4) about a fixed axis (A), in a stationary seat (7, 8) defined in the housing (2; 3, 4).