Accelerator Pedal Reaction Mechanism Using Actuated Stopper Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accelerator devices struggle to effectively apply a large reaction force to the pedal lever due to the limitations of torsion springs, which require significant bending to generate sufficient torque.
Innovation Solution
The accelerator device incorporates a power transmission mechanism with a first and second power transmission member, a coupling elastic member, and an actuator lever, which applies a reaction force to the pedal lever using the driving force of a drive source. This mechanism includes stoppers that come into contact when the drive source is energized, allowing for appropriate force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a torsion spring is used to apply reaction force to the pedal lever, then the device structure is simple, but the reaction force is insufficient because the spring requires significant bending to generate sufficient torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the torsion spring-based mechanical system with an actuator (motor) that directly generates rotational force. The actuator converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, eliminating the need for elastic deformation of a spring and providing sufficient reaction force without excessive bending requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of force generation from elastic deformation (spring bending) to direct electromagnetic conversion (motor rotation). This parameter change allows for compact force generation without requiring large deflection angles, thereby providing adequate reaction force in a limited space.
2Reliability
If the pedal lever is allowed to operate freely, then the ease of operation is high, but the ability to regulate and control the operation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking member can transition between locked and unlocked states based on operational requirements. The actuator controls the locking member's position, allowing the system to switch between restricted (locked) and free (unlocked) operation modes, thereby providing both regulation and ease of operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically controlled by the actuator based on the operational state. The system can autonomously engage or disengage the locking member depending on whether reaction force application is required, reducing the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational control.
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
The described solution enables the effective application of a reaction force to the pedal lever, improving the device's ability to manage torque and enhance operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling elastic member has one end locked to the first power transmission member and the other end locked to the second power transmission member. The first stopper and the second stopper come into contact with each other when the first power transmission member is driven against the elastic force of the coupling elastic member by energizing the drive source.
Data Source
AI summary
A power transmission mechanism of an accelerator device includes a first power transmission member, a second power transmission member, a coupling elastic member, and an actuator lever, and applies a reaction force to a pedal lever via the first power transmission member, the second power transmission member, and the actuator lever using a driving force of a drive source. The first power transmission member has a first stopper, and the driving force is transmitted to the first power transmission member. The second power transmission member has a second stopper that comes into contact with the first stopper. The first stopper and the second stopper are separated from each other in an initial state, and when the drive source is energized, and come into contact with each other when the first power transmission member is driven against an elastic force of the coupling elastic member by energizing the drive source.