Foldable Vehicle Pedal Assembly With Single-Actuator Pop-Up Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous driving mode, exposed vehicle pedals can disturb driver relaxation and may lead to erroneous operation, potentially causing accidents. Existing foldable pedal devices have different pop-up strokes for the accelerator and brake pedals, which complicates simultaneous operation by a single actuator.
Innovation Solution
A foldable pedal device for vehicles that enables the accelerator and brake pedal modules, with different pop-up strokes, to be simultaneously popped up and hidden by a single actuator module. This device includes a case with an actuator module that contacts both pedals, allowing them to be operated together, and shield membranes to block moisture and foreign substances from entering the case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate actuator modules are used for accelerator and brake pedals, then each pedal can be independently controlled, but the device weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuator modules into a single integrated actuator module that controls both the accelerator pedal and brake pedal. This merging reduces the overall weight and cost of the system while maintaining the ability to independently control each pedal through different stroke mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator module is designed to perform multiple functions: it can independently control the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal by adjusting the stroke length. The actuator module serves as a universal control unit that adapts to different pedal requirements through variable stroke mechanisms.
2Reliability
If different pop-up strokes are used for accelerator and brake pedals, then erroneous operation is prevented, but simultaneous operation by one actuator becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator module employs a dynamic stroke adjustment mechanism that can vary the pop-up stroke length depending on which pedal is being actuated. The system dynamically changes the mechanical configuration to provide appropriate stroke lengths for accelerator or brake pedal operation, maintaining safety while simplifying control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the stroke parameter of the actuator module based on the target pedal. By adjusting the stroke length parameter dynamically, the system achieves different pop-up heights for accelerator and brake pedals without requiring completely different actuator designs, thus reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If footrest panel is used to mount pedals, then installation is simple, but moisture and foreign substances can enter through gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective membrane or flexible barrier between the footrest panel and the pedal assembly. This thin film structure seals the gaps that would otherwise allow moisture and foreign substances to enter, while still permitting the mechanical movement of the pedals. The membrane acts as a protective layer that maintains the simplicity of footrest panel mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable pedal device for vehicles enables an accelerator pedal module and a brake pedal module, which have different pop-up strokes, to be simultaneously popped up and hidden by operation of one actuator module and blocks introduction of moisture and foreign substances by shielding a gap between a footrest panel and the pedal module using a shield membrane.