Adjustable Pedal With Telescopic Linkage For Constant Force Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable pedals for motor vehicles do not effectively maintain a consistent ratio of distances between the rotating shaft and the shoe, leading to uneven force transmission and potential stress on components, while also being prone to dirt exposure for the control mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic design with a U-shaped third body housing the first and second bodies, coupled with a control device that adjusts the position of the pedal, maintaining a constant ratio of distances and protecting the control mechanism from dirt, ensuring symmetrical force transmission and a compact, lightweight pedal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing adjustable pedals are used, then the pedal position can be adjusted, but the ratio of distances between the rotating shaft and the shoe is not maintained consistently, leading to uneven force transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic linkage mechanism with multiple bodies (first body, second body, third body) connected through pivot points and rotating shafts. This dynamic structure automatically maintains a constant ratio of distances between the rotating shaft and the shoe regardless of the pedal's adjusted position, ensuring uniform force transmission while allowing position adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The third body acts as an intermediary element between the first body and the second body. It includes a control mechanism that mediates the adjustment process, ensuring that when the pedal position is changed, the ratio of distances is maintained. The third body translates the adjustment motion into proportional movements that preserve the force transmission ratio.
2Ease of operation
If the control mechanism is exposed for adjustment, then the pedal is easier to operate, but it becomes prone to dirt exposure and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is nested within the third body structure. The adjustment components are housed inside the third body's U-shaped cross-section, which is itself integrated into the pedal assembly. This nesting protects the control mechanism from external dirt and contamination while maintaining operational accessibility through designed interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The third body with its U-shaped cross-section acts as a protective shell enclosing the control mechanism. This shell structure provides a barrier against dirt and contaminants while allowing the control mechanism to function. The shell is integrated into the overall pedal structure, providing both protection and structural support.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact pedal design is achieved, then the overall size is reduced, but the control mechanism becomes more vulnerable to external factors
Solution Approach 1:
The compact design is achieved by nesting the control mechanism within the third body, which is itself integrated into the pedal assembly. The first body and second body are housed at least partially inside the third body, creating a compact, nested structure that protects internal components while maintaining a small overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control mechanism with the structural bodies of the pedal. The third body serves both as a structural component and as a protective housing for the control mechanism. This merging of functions reduces the overall volume while providing protection, eliminating the need for separate protective housings that would increase size.
Data Source
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AI summary
Adjustable pedal comprising a first body (10) with a shoe (2), a second body (20) pivotable about a shaft (6), the first body (10) being movably coupled with respect to the second body (20), a third body (30) being pivotable with respect to the second body (20) and movably coupled with respect to the first body (10), the third body (30) being coupled to an actuator through a coupling (35), and a control device (50) suitable for adjusting the position of the pedal (1). The first body (10) and the second body (20) are telescopically coupled to one another, the device (50) controlling the distance between the rotating shaft and the coupling (35) by moving the three bodies (10,20,30) relatively to one another, keeping the ratio of the distance between the shaft (6) and the shoe (2) and the distance between the shaft (6) and the coupling (35) substantially constant.