Electric Running Board Structure With Fail-Safe Fixed Pedal Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric pedals for automobiles, particularly the rotation extension type, face issues with stability, torque output loss, and inability to freely switch into a fixed side pedal, leading to safety hazards and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The electric pedal design includes a driving support with a rotating mechanism and a driven support, allowing the pedal to tilt and be switched into a fixed side pedal state, even when the driving motor or gear box fails, with a simpler structure that reduces machining costs and improves weight-bearing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pedal structure is made simple (second type), then manufacturing cost is reduced, but stability of mechanism operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal mechanism transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic adjustable design, allowing the pedal to be positioned at different angles (0-10 degrees) relative to the horizontal plane. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to optimize between simplicity and stability based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and stable operation.
2Ease of operation
If electrical control is used for pedal retraction and extension, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates when electrical control fails
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal mechanism is designed with pre-established mechanical connection features (connecting end surfaces, connecting columns, fixing arms, fixing pins) that enable manual positioning and locking. These features are prepared in advance so that when electrical control fails, the operator can immediately switch to manual operation without requiring additional components or complex procedures, thus maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.
3Strength
If the pedal is designed to bear heavy weight, then weight-bearing ability is improved, but the lever force applied to supports increases, requiring stronger (heavier) support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal design allows adjustment of the inclination angle (0-10 degrees) and position, which changes the mechanical parameters of the system. By optimizing these parameters, the load distribution on supporting walls and connecting structures is improved, enabling the system to bear heavy weights without requiring proportionally heavier support structures. The angle adjustment optimizes the lever arm and force distribution.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the pedal structure is made complex (first type), then stability and weight-bearing ability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal mechanism integrates multiple functions into a unified structure: it provides both electrically controlled retraction/extension and manual positioning capabilities, supports weight-bearing at various angles, and includes built-in locking mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex mechanisms, achieving stability without excessive structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric pedal for an automobile comprises a driving support, a driven support, and a pedal. The driving support comprises a first automobile connecting rod, a driving motor, a second automobile connecting rod, a gear box, and a rotating mechanism. The first automobile connecting rod, the driving motor, and the second automobile connecting rod are separately fixed to the automobile to which the electric pedal is mounted, and the driven support comprises a driven automobile fixing plate and a driven rotating mechanism. The electric pedal for an automobile can be switched into a fixed side pedal, and in this case, the driving motor needs to be stopped, or the driving motor or the gear box fails.