Clutch Pedal Reactive Force Cam Mechanism With Reduced Installation Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch pedal actuating mechanisms require additional installation space due to the need for a biasing stopper, which complicates the design and increases the size of the clutch operation effort reactive force generator.
Innovation Solution
A clutch operation effort reactive force generator is designed with a supporting member, a cam follower, and a biasing member, where the cam follower includes a cam plate and a contacting portion that moves in response to the cam plate's movement, eliminating the need for an additional biasing mechanism and reducing the overall size by utilizing a coil spring to generate a simulated reactive force based on the operator's effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a biasing stopper is added to the pedal actuating mechanism to stop exerting opposing pressure at a preset intermediate position, then the reactive force can be controlled, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the biasing function and the stoppering function into a single integrated structure. The biasing member (spring) is positioned to naturally provide the opposing pressure, and the cam mechanism inherently limits the compression stroke, eliminating the need for a separate biasing stopper component. This integration reduces the overall installation space while maintaining reactive force control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it transforms the pedal's linear motion into rotational motion, controls the reactive force profile through its cam surface geometry, and inherently limits the spring compression stroke. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate components like the biasing stopper, reducing space requirements while achieving the same operational control
2Force
If a mechanical spring is used to generate reactive force in the pedal actuating mechanism, then the reactive force can be developed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary biasing stopper component from the mechanical system. By using the cam mechanism's inherent geometry to limit spring compression, the design removes redundant parts, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the reactive force generation capability through the spring-cam interaction
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 design minimizes the installation space required and effectively generates a simulated reactive force proportional to the clutch pedal's operation, providing a comfortable operating experience while reducing the size and complexity of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member which is arranged between the cam follower and the cam plate and works to produce a biasing force to urge the cam follower and the cam plate away from each other
Data Source
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AI summary
OBJECT It is an object to a clutch operation effort reactive force generator which can be reduced in size thereof, is capable of minimizing the volume of space for installation of the clutch operation effort reactive force generator, and developing a simulated reactive force as a function of an amount by which the clutch pedal is moved by an operator. SOLVING MEANS A clutch operation effort reactive force generator 5 includes a supporting member 10, a cam follower 16, and a coil spring 17. The supporting member 10 includes a cam plate 13 and a roller 16B. The cam plate 13 has a cam face 13A and is disposed to be movable on the supporting member 10. The roller 16B is arranged to make contact with the cam face 13A. The coil spring 17 is arranged between the cam follower 16 and the cam plate 13 and works to produce a biasing force to urge the cam follower 16 and the cam plate 13 away from each other in a direction of movement of the cam plate 13. The movement of the cam plate 13 causes a location of the contact between the roller 16B and the cam face 13A to be changed to move the cam follower 16 in the direction of movement of the cam plate 13. This structure enables the clutch operation effort reactive force generator 5 to be reduced in size thereof, minimizes the volume of space for installation of the clutch operation effort reactive force generator 5, and is capable of developing a simulated reactive force as a function of an amount by which the clutch pedal 4 is moved by an operator.