Pedal Actuator Coupling With Adjustable Hook Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling devices for attaching actuators to vehicle pedals, such as brake or accelerator pedals, face challenges in assembly complexity and adaptability due to non-positive locking mechanisms and geometry-specific designs, leading to unreliable and difficult installations across different vehicle models and manufacturers.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device with adjustable, hook-shaped coupling elements that fit the actuator in a form-fitting manner, allowing for variable length adjustments and easier assembly, ensuring secure attachment to various pedal geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If force-fitting mechanisms are used to attach the coupling device to the pedal, then the attachment can be secured, but the assembly becomes complex and requires additional fastening components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical force-fitting mechanisms (screws, clips, or presses) with a magnetic coupling system. The coupling device includes a magnetic coupling member that magnetically attracts to a corresponding magnetic member on the pedal, eliminating the need for complex fastening components while maintaining secure attachment. This substitution of magnetic force for mechanical force directly resolves the contradiction between reliable attachment and assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If geometry-specific coupling devices are designed for each pedal type, then the fit can be precise, but the adaptability across different vehicle models and manufacturers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit precisionVSAvoidpedal geometry adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the coupling device with universal adaptability through adjustable coupling elements. The coupling device includes adjustable arms or links that can be configured to match different pedal geometries, allowing a single universal coupling device design to work across multiple vehicle models and manufacturers while maintaining precise fit through adjustment rather than requiring geometry-specific designs.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different pedal geometries. The adjustable arms can be repositioned or reconfigured to match various pedal shapes and positions, enabling the same coupling device to precisely fit different pedal types without requiring multiple specialized designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If traditional coupling devices are used, then the actuator can be attached, but the assembly and disassembly process is time-consuming and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems with magnetic coupling, enabling rapid attachment and detachment of the actuator. The magnetic coupling member and magnetic member create a strong but easily engageable connection that can be assembled and disassembled quickly without requiring tools or complex procedures, thereby significantly improving assembly speed and productivity while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4188764B1Coupling device for fastening an actuator to an actuating member
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 STELLE GMBH
  • EP4188764B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4188764B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4188764B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a coupling device for fastening an actuator to an actuating member (B), in particular a pedal (P) of a vehicle, wherein the coupling device (1) can be connected to the actuator and can be brought into engagement with the actuating member (B). According to the invention, there is provision that the coupling device (1) has a basic body (10), on which a hook-shaped first coupling element (20) and at least one hook-shaped second coupling element (30) are arranged, that the first coupling element (20) has a first leg (21), which projects from a rear side (10'') of the basic body (10), and a second leg (22) extending transversely with respect to said first leg, wherein, in the mounted state of the coupling device (1), the first leg (21) is arranged laterally with respect to the actuating member (B) and the second leg (22) is arranged behind the actuating member (B), and that the at least one second coupling element (30) has a first leg (31), which projects from one side of the basic body (10), and a second leg (32) extending transversely with respect to said first leg, wherein, in the mounted state, the first leg (31) extends on the front side of the actuating member (B) and the second leg (32) extends transversely with respect to the first leg (31), with the result that the first hook-shaped coupling element (20) and the second hook-shaped coupling element (30) engage around the actuating member (B) in a form-fitting manner.