Hook Coupling Assembly for Adaptable Vehicle Pedal Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling devices for fastening actuators to vehicle pedals require complex, force-locking installations that are not adaptable to the varying geometries of different vehicle models and manufacturers, leading to inefficient and unsafe fastening.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device with adjustable, hook-shaped coupling elements that engage around the actuating member in a form-fitting manner, allowing for easy adaptation to different geometries through length variability and positional adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a force-locking installation method is used to fasten the coupling device to the pedal, then the fastening strength is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is divided into a base body and separate hook-shaped coupling elements. The coupling elements can be positioned around the pivot arm and secured with fastening elements, separating the fastening function from the base body structure. This segmentation allows for simpler installation while maintaining strong fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of forcing the pivot arm into a complex mounting structure, the coupling elements are positioned around the pivot arm in reverse engagement. The hook-shaped elements wrap around the pivot arm, and fastening elements secure them from the outside, inverting the traditional inside-out mounting approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If a fixed-geometry coupling device is used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different vehicle models decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling element geometry precisionVSAvoidadaptability to different pedal geometries
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling elements are designed with adjustable positioning capabilities along the pivot arm. The fastening elements can be positioned at different locations to accommodate varying pedal geometries across different vehicle models, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining precise coupling engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hook-shaped coupling elements serve multiple functions: they engage around the pivot arm, provide form-fitting engagement, and allow adjustment for different geometries. This universal design enables the same coupling device to work with various pedal types across different vehicle models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a complex mounting procedure is used to secure the coupling device to the pedal, then the reliability of fastening is improved, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling elements are pre-positioned around the pivot arm in a form-fitting manner before final securing. This preliminary engagement ensures proper alignment and positioning, making the final fastening with fastening elements quicker and more reliable without requiring complex adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Force

If the coupling device requires force-locking fastening, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection forceVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hook-shaped coupling elements are designed to self-position around the pivot arm through their geometry. The form-fitting engagement automatically aligns the coupling elements with the pivot arm, eliminating the need for forced insertion or complex alignment procedures during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12455588B2Coupling device for fastening an actuator to an actuating member
Publication Date: 2025.10.28 STAEHLE KURT
  • US12455588B2 patent drawing
  • US12455588B2 patent drawing
  • US12455588B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A coupling device for fastening an actuator to an actuating member has a basic body, on which a hook-shaped first coupling element and a hook-shaped second coupling element are arranged. The first coupling element has a first leg projecting from a rear side of the basic body, and a second leg extending transversely with respect to the first leg. In the mounted state of the coupling device, the first leg is arranged laterally with respect to the actuating member and the second leg is arranged behind the actuating member. The at least one second coupling element has a first leg projecting from one side of the basic body, and a second leg extending transversely with respect to the first leg. In the mounted state the first hook-shaped coupling element and the second hook-shaped coupling element engage around the actuating member in a form-fitting manner.