Adjustable Pedal Linkage for Fixed Remote Actuator Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing movable pedal systems for vehicles face complexity and limited adjustability due to the need for adjustable pedal boxes and actuators, which can complicate linkage designs and limit flexibility in accommodating different driver heights and vehicle configurations.

Innovation Solution

A movable pedal apparatus featuring a pedal connected through a first joint to a connection member, which is then coupled to a remotely mounted actuator via a second joint. The connection member has a variable length, allowing translational movement between the first and second joints, enabling the pedal to move between initial and subsequent positions without requiring the actuator to move.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the pedal box is made adjustable to accommodate drivers of different heights, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for movable pedal boxes and actuators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability for drivers of different heightsVSAvoidcomplexity of linkage between pedals and actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage is segmented into a connection member with variable length and two joints. The first joint connects the pedal to the connection member, and the second joint connects the connection member to the actuator. This segmentation allows the pedal box to move independently while maintaining a simple fixed actuator mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection member has variable length between the first joint and the second joint, allowing it to adapt to different pedal positions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to accommodate drivers of different heights without requiring a complex movable actuator mounting system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the actuator is fixed in location, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is limited as the pedal box movement is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of actuator mountingVSAvoidrange of pedal box movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member's variable length allows it to dynamically adjust to accommodate the full range of pedal box movements while the actuator remains fixed. This resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability through the connection member rather than through actuator repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection member acts as an intermediary between the movable pedal box and the fixed actuator. It absorbs the movement variations and translates them into appropriate actuator input, enabling full pedal box adjustability while maintaining a simple fixed actuator mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the actuator is moved to different locations for different vehicle models, then the adaptability to different vehicle configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases due to redesign requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different vehicle configurationsVSAvoidredesign complexity for different models

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member with variable length and two joints creates a universal linkage that can accommodate different actuator locations and pedal box positions. This single design can be used across different vehicle models and configurations without requiring redesign, as the connection member adapts to the specific geometry required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 solution simplifies the pedal system by decoupling the translation of the pedal from the rotational drive to the actuator, allowing for adjustable pedal positions without adding complexity to the actuator's location, thus enhancing adjustability and reducing design complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a first joint through which the pedal is coupled to the connection member, the first joint permitting transfer of rotation of the pedal to the connection member to cause rotation of the connection member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation transfer: Gear

Implementation Method 2

a second joint through which the connection member is couplable to the remotely mounted actuator, the second joint permitting rotation of the connection member to cause an input to the remotely mounted actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation to input conversion: Gear

Implementation Method 3

connection member has a variable length between the first joint and the second joint so as to permit translational movement of the first joint relative to the second joint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTranslational movement: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS20250178573A1Movable pedal box

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a movable pedal apparatus for driving a remotely mounted actuator, the movable pedal apparatus comprising: a pedal; a connection member; a first joint through which the pedal is coupled to the connection member, the first joint permitting transfer of rotation of the pedal to the connection member to cause rotation of the connection member; and a second joint through which the connection member is couplable to the remotely mounted actuator, the second joint permitting rotation of the connection member to cause an input to the remotely mounted actuator.