Accelerator Shaft Spring Curvature for Compact Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accelerator apparatuses have a larger housing size due to arcuately curved return springs that protrude radially outward when fully releasing the accelerator pedal, increasing the overall size of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The accelerator apparatus incorporates a support member, shaft, first boss portion, depressible portion, limiting portion, rotational angle sensing device, and a first coil spring, where the return spring is designed to be convexly curved inward when the pedal is fully closed, reducing the housing size by allowing the spring to be housed within a smaller space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If arcuately curved return springs are used to protrude radially outward when fully releasing the accelerator pedal, then the spring can effectively urge the pedal in the closing direction, but the housing size increases in the protruding direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional spring configuration by making the return spring convexly curved inward toward the rotational axis when the pedal is fully closed, rather than protruding outward. This inversion allows the spring to be housed within a smaller space while still providing the necessary urging force in the accelerator closing direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement of the return spring from a radial protrusion configuration to an inward-curving configuration that utilizes the space toward the rotational axis. This dimensional reorganization allows the spring to function effectively while reducing the housing size in the radial direction.
2Length of stationary object
If the return spring is designed to be convexly curved inward when the pedal is fully closed, then the housing size is reduced, but the spring must effectively maintain urging force during pedal rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the return spring with a specific convex curvature in the inward direction at the fully closed position, while maintaining appropriate stiffness and force characteristics throughout its operational range. The spring's local geometric properties are optimized to provide consistent urging force despite the compact housing configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the return spring, specifically its curvature and orientation, to achieve the desired compact configuration. By adjusting the spring's physical parameters (curvature radius, engagement points, and initial tension), the design maintains effective urging force while minimizing housing size.
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 design minimizes the size of the support member in the top-to-bottom direction, reducing the overall length of the accelerator apparatus while maintaining efficient pedal operation and reducing the burden on the driver during pedal return.
Implementation Method 1
The first coil spring urges the shaft in the accelerator closing direction
Data Source
AI summary
A first coil spring urges a shaft in an accelerator closing direction. A support member has a space, in which a first center line of the first coil spring is convexly curved when the shaft is rotated in an accelerator opening direction. The first center line is straight or is convexly curved toward the space when the limiting portion contacts the support member.