Compact Pedal Assembly for Clutch Turnover Feel Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pedal assemblies in electric vehicles fail to accurately mimic the 'turnover property' of clutch pedals in manual transmission vehicles, leading to a lack of realism in simulating manual shifting operations.
Innovation Solution
A downsized pedal assembly with a spring mechanism that applies a reaction force to the pedal arm, featuring a unique arrangement of arm pivotal joints and fixed pivotal joints to replicate the non-linear reaction force characteristic of conventional clutch pedals.
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 replicated, 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 pivotal joint. The arm pivotal joint is placed at a specific location on the pedal arm to inherently produce the turnover property through its geometric relationship with the pedal force application point and support shaft, eliminating the need for multiple linkages and arms while maintaining the desired reaction force characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple linkages to create non-linear motion paths, the patent inverts the approach by using a single linkage with a strategically positioned pivotal joint that directly generates the non-linear reaction force through its fixed geometric configuration. The pivotal joint's position is specifically designed to create the turnover effect, reversing the conventional wisdom that more linkages are needed for complex force characteristics.
2Reliability
If a complex linkage structure is used to achieve turnover property, then the reaction force characteristic is improved, but the weight of the pedal assembly increases
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 pivotal joint. The arm pivotal joint is placed at a specific location on the pedal arm to inherently produce the turnover property through its geometric relationship with the pedal force application point and support shaft, eliminating the need for multiple linkages and arms while maintaining the desired reaction force characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple linkages, arms, and pivotal joints into a single integrated pedal arm structure with one arm pivotal joint. The pedal arm itself serves as the linkage, and the strategically positioned arm pivotal joint provides both the structural support and the geometric mechanism for generating non-linear reaction force, combining multiple functions into a single lightweight component.
3Reliability
If the linkage structure is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, then the turnover property is achieved, but the pedal assembly becomes elongated and interferes with other components
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 pivotal joint. The arm pivotal joint is placed at a specific location on the pedal arm to inherently produce the turnover property through its geometric relationship with the pedal force application point and support shaft, eliminating the need for multiple linkages and arms while maintaining the desired reaction force characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the linkage structure in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the patent repositions the arm pivotal joint in the width direction or vertically on the pedal arm. This dimensional change allows the non-linear reaction force to be generated through the pedal arm's rotation about the support shaft without requiring the linkage to extend forward, thereby avoiding interference with other vehicle components while maintaining the turnover property.
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 conventional clutch pedals, 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
AI summary
A downsized pedal assembly adapted to imitate a turnover property of a conventional clutch pedal. A pedal assembly comprising: a pedal arm joined to a stationary member through a supporting member; and a spring applying a reaction force to the pedal arm. One end of the spring is joined to the stationary member through a fixed pivotal joint, and the other end of the spring is joined to an arm pivotal joint. The arm pivotal joint is withdrawn from a neutral line drawn between the supporting member and the fixed pivotal joint. An angle between a line drawn between the supporting member and the arm pivotal joint and the neutral line is narrower than an angle between a line drawn between the fixed pivotal joint and the arm pivotal joint and the neutral line.