Compact Clutch Pedal Assembly With Turnover-Feel Spring Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicles struggle to accurately mimic the 'turnover property' of a manual transmission clutch pedal, which is essential for a realistic manual shifting experience.
Innovation Solution
A downsized pedal assembly with a specific spring arrangement, where one end of the spring is joined to a stationary member through a fixed pivotal joint, and the other end is joined to an arm pivotal joint in the pedal arm, allowing the reaction force to vary non-linearly and imitate the turnover property.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a four-linkage structure with multiple arms and linkages is employed to achieve turnover property, then the turnover property is accurately reproduced, but the device size increases and installation flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of generating non-linear reaction force from the complex four-linkage structure and implements it through a simplified single-linkage structure with a strategically positioned fulcrum. The linkage member connects the pedal to the spring, and by positioning the fulcrum at a specific location, the system achieves the turnover property without requiring multiple arms and linkages, thus reducing size while maintaining functional accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified linkage member serves multiple functions: it transmits pedal force, provides mechanical leverage through the fulcrum, and works with the spring to generate the non-linear reaction force characteristic of turnover property. This multi-functional design replaces the specialized components of the four-linkage structure, achieving the same effect with fewer parts.
2Reliability
If a complex linkage structure is used to achieve turnover property, then the reaction force characteristics are accurate, but the weight of the pedal assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary components from the complex four-linkage structure, retaining only the essential linkage member and fulcrum combination needed to generate non-linear reaction force. This extraction of essential elements significantly reduces the weight while preserving the turnover property reproduction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate components (pedal arm, linkage arms, supporting arms) into a single integrated linkage member with a fulcrum. This merging reduces the total weight of the assembly while maintaining the mechanical advantage and non-linear force characteristics required for accurate turnover property reproduction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clutch pedal is not mechanically connected to other mechanisms, then installation flexibility is improved, but the pedal force cannot be transmitted to other mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a force transmission mechanism as an intermediary between the pedal assembly and other vehicle mechanisms. The linkage member and spring system serve as mediators that can transmit pedal force to sensors or other mechanisms while maintaining the independent, flexible installation capability of the pedal assembly. This allows the pedal to be mechanically isolated for installation flexibility while still enabling force transmission when needed.
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
The pedal assembly effectively imitates the turnover property of a conventional clutch pedal, providing a realistic manual shifting experience while being compact and lightweight, allowing for flexible installation in electric vehicles without interfering with other components.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that applies a reaction force to the pedal arm against a torque derived from a pedal force applied to the pedal pad to rotate the pedal arm around the supporting member
Data Source
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AI summary
A downsized pedal assembly adapted to imitate a turnover property of a conventional clutch pedal. A pedal assembly (14) comprising: a pedal arm (25) joined to a stationary member (29) through a supporting member (30); and a spring (40) applying a reaction force to the pedal arm (25). One end of the spring (40) is joined to the stationary member (34) through a fixed pivotal joint (42), and the other end of the spring (40) is joined to an arm pivotal joint (41). The arm pivotal joint (41) is withdrawn from a neutral line (L) drawn between the supporting member (30) and the fixed pivotal joint (42). An angle (α) between a line drawn between the supporting member (30) and the arm pivotal joint (41) and the neutral line (L) is narrower than an angle (β) between a line drawn between the fixed pivotal joint (42) and the arm pivotal joint (41) and the neutral line (L).