Passive Pedal Emulator Assembly for Realistic Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles with electronic pedal systems lack the tactile feedback and mechanical resistance expected by drivers, necessitating a solution to recreate the feel and feedback of traditional mechanical pedals.
Innovation Solution
A pedal emulator assembly with a housing, pivotally coupled lever arm, and compressible spring system that generates resistance and haptic feedback based on pedal movement, simulating mechanical pedal characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If electronic pedal systems are used in modern vehicles, then integration is easier and weight is reduced, but tactile feedback and mechanical resistance are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a mechanical copy of traditional pedal resistance characteristics using a return spring mechanism. The spring is calibrated to replicate the force-displacement curve of hydraulic brake systems, providing drivers with familiar tactile feedback while using a lighter electronic actuator underneath.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy hydraulic mechanical linkages with a lighter electronic actuator combined with a passive mechanical spring system. The electronic actuator provides only the minimum force needed to move the pedal, while the spring provides the majority of the resistance and feedback.
2Ease of operation
If direct mechanical linkages are used in pedal systems, then tactile feedback is provided, but mechanical parts increase and integration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the resistance-generating function from the complex hydraulic mechanical linkage system and isolates it into a simple return spring mechanism. This separates the feedback provision function from the force transmission function, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides tactile feedback to the driver, returns the pedal to its resting position, and can be calibrated to match different vehicle types (brake, accelerator, clutch). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Device complexity
If electronic pedal systems are implemented, then fewer mechanical parts are used, but the mechanical resistance and feel expected by drivers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the spring constant and pre-load of the return spring to match the force-displacement characteristics of traditional hydraulic systems. By carefully selecting spring parameters, the electronic system reproduces the same pedal resistance curve that drivers expect from mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines electronic actuation with passive mechanical spring elements to create a hybrid system. The electronic actuator provides precise control with minimal parts, while the mechanical spring provides the necessary force resistance and tactile feedback, creating a composite solution that leverages the strengths of both approaches.
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
Provides drivers with a realistic pedal feel and resistance profile, enhancing vehicle control and safety by mimicking traditional mechanical pedal systems.
Implementation Method 1
A spring carrier including a compressible member extends between the spring receiving portion and the spring retaining portion. When a first predetermined load is applied to the pedal pad, the pedal arm drives the lever arm into the compressible member and the compressible member compresses into an at least partially compressed state to generate a first return force on the pedal pad.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein are directed to a pedal emulator assembly including a housing having a cavity defined by a pair of sidewalls, a first end wall and a second end wall. A lower arm having a spring retaining portion is formed therein. A pedal arm is pivotally coupled the pedal arm and includes a pedal pad. A lever arm including a spring receiving portion is positioned within the cavity of the housing and is pivotally coupled to the housing. A spring carrier including a compressible member extends between the spring receiving portion and the spring retaining portion. When a first predetermined load is applied to the pedal pad, the pedal arm drives the lever arm into the compressible member and the compressible member compresses into an at least partially compressed state to generate a first return force on the pedal pad.