Coaxial Vehicle Pedal Assembly with Nested Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedal assemblies for vehicles require more space due to the non-coaxial rotation of gears, latch, and arm, leading to increased volume and potential contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A pedal apparatus with a support defining an axis, featuring a brake pedal assembly movable between positions, a latch movable independently for locking, and an accelerator pedal assembly, along with an intermediate device and retainer that allows for compact design and contamination protection by suspending the components within the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gears, latch, and arm are spaced on varying axes to provide opposing configurations, then the brake pedal can be locked in depressed position, but the volume required to fit the components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gears, latch, and arm onto a common axis, consolidating components that were previously spaced on varying axes. This merging reduces the overall volume required for the pedal assembly while maintaining the opposing configuration needed for reliable brake pedal locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges components in a nested configuration around the common axis, with the intermediate device positioned between the brake pedal assembly and the retainer. This nesting allows multiple components to occupy overlapping spatial zones, reducing the total volume envelope while preserving functional relationships.
2Volume of stationary object
If pedal components are arranged in a compact configuration about a common axis, then volume is reduced, but protection from contaminants becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a retainer that forms a protective enclosure around the intermediate device and other internal components. This shell-like structure creates a barrier against contaminants while allowing the compact axial arrangement of components to persist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar or distributed component layout to a three-dimensional arrangement about a common axis. This dimensional reorganization allows the protective retainer to enclose components in a compact cylindrical volume, providing contaminant protection without sacrificing compactness.
3Force
If the latch and arm are positioned on varying axes with opposing configurations, then tension is maintained when both engage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotational axes of the latch and arm onto a single common axis, reducing the number of independent rotational centers from multiple varying axes to one. This simplification reduces device complexity while the opposing configurations of the gears maintain the necessary tension forces when engaged.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pedal apparatus for a vehicle. The pedal apparatus includes a support defining an axis. The pedal apparatus further includes a brake pedal assembly movable about the axis between a first position and a second position. The brake pedal assembly includes a latch movable between unlocked and locked positions. The pedal apparatus includes an accelerator pedal assembly movable about the axis between initial and displaced positions. The pedal apparatus includes an intermediate device disposed about the axis and having a plurality of first and second teeth. The latch is engageable with the first teeth when in the locked position. The braking apparatus further includes a retainer disposed about the axis. The retainer has a hub mounted to the support and at least one actuating device selectively engaging at least one of the second teeth of the intermediate device to couple the intermediate device to the retainer and the support.