Accelerator Pedal Malfunction Elimination via Integrated Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional accelerator pedal malfunction elimination apparatuses are ineffective in providing reliable braking when a driver mistakenly steps on the accelerator pedal, as they offer limited braking effect and require switching to the brake pedal, which can lead to inadequate deceleration and increased accident risk, especially for novice or elderly drivers.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a brake arm with a pivot, an accelerator pedal stepping force transmission member, and a pedal linking mechanism that converts the accelerator pedal's stepping force into a braking action, allowing reliable braking without switching pedals, by using a rocking fulcrum pin, return springs, and a locking mechanism to integrate the accelerator and brake functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the accelerator pedal is stepped on, then the accelerator wire is pulled and the accelerator rod rotates, but the braking effect is extremely limited and insufficient deceleration is achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking reliabilityVSAvoidbraking force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the accelerator pedal and brake pedal into a single integrated pedal structure. The pedal body serves dual functions: when pressed within a certain range, it pulls the accelerator wire for acceleration; when pressed beyond that range, it activates the brake mechanism through the same pressing motion. This merging eliminates the need to switch between separate pedals, providing reliable braking force even when the driver mistakenly presses the accelerator, as the excessive pressing force automatically engages the brake function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the driver switches to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, then braking can be achieved, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming, increasing accident risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepedal operation simplicityVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional pedal that can perform both accelerator and brake functions through a single pressing action. The pedal body is designed with a pressing portion that, when pressed, first activates the accelerator function and then, upon exceeding a certain pressing depth or force, activates the brake function. This universal design allows the driver to stop the vehicle by simply pressing the same pedal without switching operations, significantly reducing response time and operational complexity while eliminating the need for foot movement between separate pedals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the accelerator pedal malfunction elimination apparatus is added, then braking function is provided, but the device complexity increases with additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalfunction elimination capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the accelerator and brake mechanisms into a single integrated pedal assembly. The pedal body serves as a common structure for both functions, with the accelerator wire and brake mechanism both connected to the same pressing portion. This integration eliminates the need for separate accelerator and brake pedals, reducing overall device complexity despite adding malfunction elimination capability. The dual-function design consolidates components rather than simply adding them, making the system more compact and easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Force

If the transverse lever displacement distance is increased, then braking effect is improved, but the mechanism complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking forceVSAvoidlever displacement distance
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the accelerator and brake functions into a single pedal pressing motion, eliminating the need for separate lever mechanisms for each function. The integrated design allows the brake force to be generated through the same pressing action that activates the accelerator, but with greater force when pressing beyond the normal accelerator range. This merging approach provides sufficient braking force without requiring long lever displacement distances, as the brake activation is achieved through the excessive pressing force on the same pedal rather than through a separate mechanical lever system.

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

Enables swift and reliable braking of a vehicle by converting accelerator pedal force into brake pedal action, reducing accident risk, especially for novice or elderly drivers, and preventing reckless driving scenarios like abrupt starts and tailgating.

Implementation Method 1

a return spring (11) to restore the first rising member (10) to an initial position when the accelerator pedal (5) is released

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a locking pin (22) as a movable member to lock or unlock a connection, a locking claw (17a) in an L shape protruding from the second rising member (17)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

a conversion fitting (20) that rotates around a bearing (15d) provided in the intermediate portion of the stepping force conversion suspended body (15)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 4

the brake pin (20b) abuts on the end of the long hole (23a) of the ring member (23), the conversion fitting (20) starts to rotate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9010212B2Accelerator pedal malfunction elimination apparatus
Publication Date: 2015.04.21 MINAMI HEIJI
  • US9010212B2 patent drawing
  • US9010212B2 patent drawing
  • US9010212B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An accelerator pedal operation error resolution device has a stepping force conversion pendant body which depends from a pendant pin of a support pillar which is anchored to a brake arm, supporting a first rising member with a fluctuation fulcrum pin and a second rising member with an acceleration fulcrum pin. The stepping force conversion pendant body movably supports a guide member, one end wherein makes contact with a chassis. A conversion metal fitting houses the pendant pin in the upper part thereof, and has, in the lower protrusion part, a pin and a lock metal fitting. The lock metal fitting and a notch part of the guide member are either engaged or disengaged. When the guide member and the lock metal fitting are engaged, the movement of the brake arm is restricted, and is allowed when these are disengaged.