Adjustable Pedal Block for Temporary Speed Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for limiting the maximum speed or acceleration of light utility or recreational vehicles, such as golf carts, are costly and unsuitable for temporary use or rental scenarios, as they often require permanent modifications or are not easily reversible.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable pedal block that restricts throttle pedal travel, featuring a block body, pedal-receiving slot, and stopper assembly, allowing for temporary speed limiting without permanent installation, with tamper-resistant components to secure the settings, enabling easy removal or adjustment without disengaging the entire assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical speed governors or current limiting devices are installed to limit maximum speed or acceleration, then vehicle speed control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal assembly is segmented into modular components: a pedal block, a removable pedal, and an adjustable stop mechanism. This segmentation allows the speed limiting function to be implemented through a simple mechanical stop rather than a complex governor system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining speed control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A removable pedal acts as an intermediary component between the user's foot and the throttle mechanism. By controlling the pedal's travel distance through the adjustable stop, this simple mechanical intermediary achieves speed limiting without requiring complex electronic or mechanical governors
2Reliability
If permanent modifications are made to limit speed, then speed control is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to inability to remove limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal stop position is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The stop mechanism can be repositioned along the pedal block, and the pedal itself can be removed, allowing the speed limitation to be dynamically changed or completely removed based on operational needs, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring speed control when required
3Reliability
If throttle response is reduced to limit speed, then vehicle speed is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal travel is partially limited rather than completely restricted. The adjustable stop allows the pedal to move through a reduced but still meaningful range, providing sufficient throttle response for productive operation while preventing excessive speed. This partial action maintains productivity while achieving speed control
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable pedal block is an apparatus that limits the maximum travel speed of a vehicle. The apparatus may also require additional tools to disable the apparatus. The apparatus includes a block body, a pedal-receiving slot, a stopper assembly, and at least one spacer. The block body engages with a pedal and connects the stopper assembly with the pedal. The pedal-receiving slot allows the pedal to traverse into the block body while preserving the structural integrity of the block body. The stopper assembly offsets the pedal from the floor of the vehicle and limits the actuation of the pedal. The at least one spacer tightens the pedal with the block body and secures the position of the pedal within the pedal-receiving slot. The pedal and the at least one spacer are secured within the block body with a left clamp assembly and a right clamp assembly of the apparatus.