Accelerator Pedal Spring Overlap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accelerator apparatus designs are hindered by a large size in the top-to-bottom direction due to the need for a guide between the return spring and hysteresis spring contact surfaces, which increases the support member's dimensions and affects positional deviation limitations.
Innovation Solution
The accelerator apparatus incorporates a support member with a pedal-side urging member and a hysteresis-side urging member, utilizing friction members and a rotational angle sensing device, where the urging members contact step surfaces between contact surfaces, eliminating the need for a dedicated guide and allowing the springs to overlap, reducing the support member's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a guide in the form of a projection is formed between the first contact surface and the second contact surface to limit positional deviation of the return spring and hysteresis spring, then the strength for limiting positional deviation is sufficient, but the size of the support member in the top-to-bottom direction becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is merged with the first contact surface and second contact surface, forming an integrated contact surface structure that eliminates the need for a separate projection guide. This integration maintains positional deviation limitation functionality while reducing the overall support member size in the top-to-bottom direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated projection guide structure is extracted/removed from the design. Instead of adding a separate guide projection between the contact surfaces, the patent uses the contact surfaces themselves to provide both contact and positioning functions, thereby reducing unnecessary structural elements and minimizing the support member dimensions.
2Quantity of substance
If the return spring and hysteresis spring are arranged side-by-side and extend in a top-to-bottom direction, then the springs can be received in the support member, but the support member size in the top-to-bottom direction becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical top-to-bottom arrangement of springs to a radial arrangement where springs are positioned side-by-side in the radial direction of the rotatable shaft. This dimensional change allows the springs to be received in the support member without increasing the top-to-bottom height, effectively reducing the support member size while maintaining spring functionality.
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 enhances the efficiency of the accelerator system by reducing the support member's size while maintaining effective positional control and urging forces, facilitating easier assembly and operation without additional guides, thus improving the overall design.
Implementation Method 1
When the pedal boss portion is rotated in an accelerator opening direction, the first friction member is urged against an inner wall of the support member... When the pedal boss portion is rotated in an accelerator opening direction, the second friction member is urged against the inner wall of the support member
Implementation Method 2
The pedal-side urging member urges the pedal-side urging member receiving portion to rotate the pedal boss portion in an accelerator closing direction... The hysteresis-side urging member urges the hysteresis-side urging member receiving portion to rotate the hysteresis boss portion in the accelerator closing direction
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal spring urges a pedal spring receiving portion to rotate a manipulation member in an accelerator closing direction. The pedal spring has an end portion that contacts a first contact surface of a front segment. A hysteresis spring urges a hysteresis spring receiving portion, which is engaged with the manipulation member, in the accelerator closing direction. The hysteresis spring has an end portion that contacts a second contact surface of the front segment. A step surface is formed between the first contact surface and the second contact surface to limit movement of the end portion of the hysteresis spring.