Force Generation Device for Control Pedals Using Kinematic Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pedal control systems in motor vehicles, particularly those without hydraulic master cylinders, lack a realistic feedback mechanism for the user, leading to ergonomic discomfort and limited adaptability in simulating reaction forces.
Innovation Solution
A force-generating device for control pedals, featuring a hollow elongated box with a deformable spring and a non-linear kinematic converter that converts the movement of an input rod into spring deformation, allowing for adjustable and realistic reaction force simulation through a non-linear relationship between axial displacement and spring deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydraulic master cylinder is used to provide reaction force, then realistic feedback is achieved, but the system complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic master cylinder system with a mechanically simpler spring-based force generation device. The spring (5) directly provides reaction force through mechanical deformation, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid, seals, and complex fluid dynamics while maintaining realistic feedback through the spring's elastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential function of reaction force generation from the complex hydraulic master cylinder system. By isolating and implementing just the force feedback function using a simple spring mechanism, the patent achieves realistic user feedback without the unnecessary complexity of the full hydraulic system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator is decoupled from the control pedal and controlled electronically, then system adaptability improves, but user feedback and ergonomic comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system consisting of the spring (5) and kinematic converter (7) that bridges the electronically controlled actuator and the control pedal. This intermediary mechanically transmits and transforms the actuator's movement into realistic reaction force feedback on the pedal, maintaining ergonomic comfort while preserving electronic control adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the electronic control system for adaptability, the spring mechanism for force generation, and the kinematic converter for motion transformation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together to achieve both adaptability and realistic feedback.
3Device complexity
If a spring-based force generation system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simulate realistic hydraulic reaction forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic kinematic converter mechanism that actively transforms the linear movement of the actuator into the specific non-linear movement pattern characteristic of hydraulic master cylinders. This dynamic transformation allows the simple spring system to simulate complex hydraulic reaction force characteristics, maintaining realism while keeping the overall device simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The kinematic converter changes the motion parameters (displacement, velocity, acceleration profiles) of the spring to match those of a hydraulic master cylinder. By transforming the actuator's movement parameters through the kinematic mechanism, the system reproduces the characteristic reaction force curve of hydraulic systems without requiring hydraulic components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the reaction force is made adjustable, then system versatility improves, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic kinematic converter that can adjust its mechanical transformation ratio to vary the reaction force characteristics. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through the geometric parameters of the kinematic converter components, allowing versatility without adding complex control systems or multiple adjustable mechanisms.
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 device provides a compact, adaptable solution for simulating various reaction forces, enhancing user feedback and ergonomic experience by mimicking hydraulic reaction forces, while being easily integratable into vehicle environments.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable spring along the axis of the housing having a front end bearing directly or indirectly against the bottom wall and a rear end movable in the housing along the axis of the housing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a force generation device (1) for a control pedal (8), the device comprising: a hollow, elongated housing (2, 102) having a longitudinal axis (X), an input rod (6, 106) engaged in the opening of the housing substantially parallel to the axis of the housing and having a rear end intended to be coupled to a control pedal (8) outside the housing and a front end housed in the housing (2), a spring (5) deformable along the axis of the housing having a front end bearing directly or indirectly against the bottom wall and a rear end movable in the housing along the axis of the housing, and a kinematic converter (7).