Accelerator Pedal Spring Nesting for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional accelerator pedal devices with electronically controlled throttle systems suffer from increased size and complexity due to separate locations of biasing and return springs, as well as multiple independent sliders, which hinder miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
The accelerator pedal device integrates a biasing spring and a return spring coaxially within the same housing area, with the biasing spring exerting force through a slider to create hysteresis, and the return spring directly returning the pedal arm to its rest position, utilizing a nested configuration to reduce size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first return spring and the second return spring are disposed in separate areas partitioned by a wall part of the housing, then each spring can be independently positioned, but the housing size increases and the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first return spring and the second return spring into the same spatial area within the housing, eliminating the need for separate partitioned areas. This combining approach reduces the overall housing volume while maintaining the functional independence of each spring through careful spatial arrangement and component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the first return spring and second return spring are disposed in a nested manner within the same area of the housing. This nesting strategy allows both springs to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial zones without interfering with each other's function, thereby minimizing the housing size while preserving independent positioning capability.
2Reliability
If the hysteresis-causing mechanism includes two sliders independent from each other, then the hysteresis function is achieved, but the number of components increases and the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first slider and the second slider into a single integrated slider component. This merged slider performs the functions of both original sliders by incorporating the hysteresis-causing mechanism within a unified structure, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining the required hysteresis functionality through internal mechanical design.
3Reliability
If the first slider and the second slider linearly reciprocate in the housing, then the hysteresis mechanism operates, but the housing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the slider's reciprocating motion path is optimized to occupy minimal space within the housing. The hysteresis-causing mechanism is arranged such that the slider moves within a compact region, allowing the housing to be minimized while still accommodating the full range of motion required for hysteresis operation.
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 achieves miniaturization of the device while maintaining desired hysteresis characteristics and ensuring reliable operation by simplifying the structure and reducing the number of components, ensuring efficient and stable depressing force characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing spring that exerts a biasing force through the slider so as to push back the pedal arm
Implementation Method 2
which causes hysteresis in the depressing force
Implementation Method 3
a return spring that exerts a biasing force directly on the pedal arm in order to return the pedal arm to the rest position
Data Source
AI summary
This accelerator pedal device is provided with a pedal arm having an accelerator pedal, a housing that swingably supports the pedal arm, a slider that slides over the inner wall of the housing and that is pressed by the depressing of the accelerator pedal, a hysteresis-causing mechanism that includes a biasing spring for exerting biasing force through the slider so as to push back the pedal arm with and that causes hysteresis in the depressing force, and a return spring that exerts biasing force directly on the pedal arm in order to return the pedal arm to a rest position, the biasing spring and the return spring being disposed in the same area inside the housing.