Accelerator Pedal Locking With Integrated Reaction Force Actuation

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional accelerator pedal modules with actuators face challenges in size and complexity, particularly when a mechanism to fix the pedal is required, such as during automated driving, leading to increased physical size and complexity.

Innovation Solution

An accelerator device with a pedal lever that operates in response to depression and includes a drive source to exert a reaction force, featuring a power transmission mechanism and a locking mechanism to regulate the pedal lever's operation, allowing for adjustable reaction forces and pedal locking without increasing the device's size or complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanism to fix the pedal is added to the accelerator pedal module, then the pedal can be locked during automated driving, but the physical size and complexity of the device increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedal locking functionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the reaction force generation function and the pedal locking function into a single integrated actuator mechanism. The actuator includes a motor that generates reaction force and a locking mechanism with a lock pin that engages with a fitting portion on the pedal lever, allowing both functions to be achieved without adding separate independent mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates reaction force to prevent pedal depression and simultaneously provides locking capability during automated driving. The single actuator unit serves both as a force-generating device and a locking device, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a mechanism to fix the pedal is added to the accelerator pedal module, then the pedal can be locked during automated driving, but the physical size of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedal locking functionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the reaction force generation function and the pedal locking function into a single integrated actuator mechanism. The actuator includes a motor that generates reaction force and a locking mechanism with a lock pin that engages with a fitting portion on the pedal lever, allowing both functions to be achieved without adding separate independent mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is nested within the actuator structure. The lock pin is disposed inside the actuator housing and engages with the fitting portion on the pedal lever through the actuator's internal space, allowing the locking function to be incorporated without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12172520B2Accelerator device

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 DENSO CORP

AI summary

An accelerator device includes a pedal lever, at least one drive source, a power transmission mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The pedal lever operates in response to a depressing operation. The drive source is configured to exert a reaction force as a force in a returning direction to the pedal lever. The power transmission mechanism transmits a drive force from the drive source to the pedal lever. The locking mechanism is capable of regulating the operation of the pedal lever.