Adjustable Pedal Linkage for Low-NVH Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adjustable pedal systems in vehicles suffer from Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) issues, which worsen the driving experience by amplifying road and braking noises, limiting their usability and comfort.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable pedal system comprising a guide fixed on the vehicle's floor, a slidable base member, and a transfer device with rocker arms and a rolling cylinder, which couples the pedal to an actuator while maintaining stability and preventing NVH issues by solidly anchoring the pedal to the vehicle's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pedal connection allows forward/rearward movement for adjustment, then the driver can customize seating experience, but NVH issues worsen and road/braking noises become more noticeable
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal system is divided into separate functional components: a movable pedal assembly for position adjustment and a fixed connection point on the vehicle floor for stable mounting. This segmentation allows the pedal to move independently for customization while the fixed floor mounting prevents NVH transmission to the vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated mounting structure acts as an intermediary between the movable pedal and the vehicle floor. This intermediary component provides a stable, noise-isolating connection that decouples the pedal's movement from direct transmission to the vehicle chassis, thereby reducing NVH while preserving adjustability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the seat is fixed to reduce volume and improve interior ergonomics, then wheelbase and positioning area are optimized, but the driver cannot adjust distance to steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal system transitions from a static, fixed-position design to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The pedal assembly can move forward and rearward along a guided path, enabling the driver to customize their position relative to the steering wheel and pedals while the seat remains fixed for interior optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal adjustment mechanism is pre-configured with a defined travel range and mounting geometry that anticipates the driver's positioning needs. This preliminary design allows the driver to achieve optimal ergonomics through simple position selection rather than requiring complex active adjustment systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable pedal (4) system comprises a guide (2) fixable to the floor of a vehicle, a base member (3) presenting a vertical wall (3a) and configured to slide on the guide (2), a pedal (4) hinged on the base member (3) and a transfer device (5) comprising itself a reference plate (7) couplable to an actuator (6), a transfer rod (8) and a couple of rocker arms (9, 10). A first rocker arm (9) presents a first vertex (9a) coupled to the pedal (4), a second vertex (9b) coupled to the transfer rod (8) and a third vertex (9c) coupled to a rolling cylinder. A second rocker arm (10) is hinged on the reference plate (7) and presents a fourth vertex (10a) couplable to an activation element of the actuator (6) and a fifth vertex (10b) coupled to the transfer rod (8).