Brake Pedal Rotating Member for Collision Backward-Motion Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicular operation pedal devices require a large number of parts to prevent the backward movement of the step portion of the operation pedal mechanism during a vehicle collision.

Innovation Solution

A vehicular operation pedal device with a reduced number of parts, comprising a support member, an operation pedal mechanism with a rotating member having a bent portion and a connecting portion that holds an input portion of a vehicular control mechanism, and a fixing member that secures the rotating member and operation pedal mechanism. During a collision, the upper end portion of the rotating member contacts a second vehicle component, applying a second load that exceeds the first load, causing the fixation to release and allowing the step portion to move forward.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixing mechanism with multiple parts (rotating arm, connecting arm, push rod, etc.) is used to prevent backward movement of the operation pedal during collision, then the reliability of collision protection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision protection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the rotating arm, connecting arm, and push rod into a single integrated rotating member. This rotating member has a bent portion that serves as the rotation axis, a front end portion that connects to the control mechanism input, and an upper end portion that contacts the vehicle body. By merging these previously separate components into one piece, the patent reduces part count while maintaining the collision protection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a connection link between the operation pedal and control mechanism, provides collision protection by contacting the vehicle body, and transmits operational force to the control mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a fixing mechanism is used to prevent rattle between components during normal operation, then the operational stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidpedal movement freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic fixing mechanism where the fixing member automatically adjusts its state based on operational conditions. During normal operation, the fixing member maintains a fixed state to prevent rattle and ensure stability. During collision, the excessive force causes the fixing member to release, allowing free movement. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing stability when needed and freedom when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing mechanism changes its mechanical state parameter from fixed to released based on the magnitude of applied force. When the force exceeds a predetermined threshold (collision condition), the fixing member releases, changing the system from a constrained state to an unconstrained state. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3896551B1Vehicular operation pedal device
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 TOYODA IRON WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3896551B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3896551B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3896551B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a vehicular operation pedal device having a small number of parts required for preventing backward movement of a step portion of an operation pedal mechanism at the time of a vehicle collision. A brake pedal device 1 includes: a pedal bracket 10 fixed to a dash panel P; an operation pedal mechanism 20 having a step portion 24 rotatable with respect to the pedal bracket 10 and in which the step portion 24 is stepped forward of a vehicle; a rotating member 50 having a bent portion 52, a front end portion 54, and an upper end portion 56, and rotatably supported with respect to the operation pedal mechanism 20 by a rotating shaft portion 14 at the bent portion 52; a connecting pin 70 and a clevis 72 that rotatably hold a tip portion 62 of an operating rod 60 projecting rearward of the vehicle from the dash panel P with respect to the rotating member 50, at the front end portion 54 of the rotating member 50; and a caulking pin 80 that fixes the rotating member 50 and the operation pedal mechanism 20, at the bent portion 52 of the rotating member 50.