Hollow Vehicle Pedal Arm Reinforcement for Weldable Corner Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Welding the pedal seat to the corner portions of the hollow arm is challenging due to space constraints, leading to potential distortion and widening of these portions under user pedal force.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle pedal design with a hollow arm comprising two components joined by opposed recesses, featuring a wall with straight portions welded to the pedal seat and reinforced beads at the corner portions to restrict distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the pedal seat is welded to the corner portions of the hollow arm wall, then the structural strength is improved, but the welding operation becomes difficult due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different welding strategies to different locations of the hollow arm wall. Straight portions are welded to the pedal seat, while corner portions are reinforced with additional structures. This local differentiation allows welding operations to be performed in accessible areas while still providing strength at all critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow arm wall is divided into distinct functional zones: straight portions for welding and corner portions for reinforcement. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently for its specific function, resolving the conflict between weldability and structural strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If the pedal seat is welded to the straight portions of the wall, then the welding operation becomes easier, but the corner portions may distort and widen under pedal force
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforced portions are added to the corner portions of the hollow arm wall before the pedal force is applied. These reinforcements pre-counteract the distorting forces that would otherwise cause the corner portions to widen and deform under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner portions receive specialized reinforcement structures that are not present in the straight portions. This local enhancement provides the necessary stability at critical stress points without interfering with the welding process at the straight portions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If reinforced portions are added to the corner portions, then the distortion is restricted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcements are applied only to the corner portions where they are most needed, rather than uniformly across the entire hollow arm. This localized approach provides necessary stability while minimizing the overall complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforced portions are integrated into the hollow arm structure as a unified component rather than separate attachments. This merging reduces assembly complexity while still providing the necessary reinforcement at critical locations.
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 reinforced beads effectively prevent distortion and widening of the corner portions, ensuring stable operation under user pedal force.
Implementation Method 1
The corner portion includes a reinforced portion configured to restrict distortion of the corner portion when a pedal force from a user is applied to the pedal seat
Implementation Method 2
The pedal seat is arranged at the first end and welded to the wall. The straight portion is welded to the pedal seat
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle pedal includes a hollow arm including two components with a specified length and a pedal seal. The components each include a recess extending in a longitudinal direction of the corresponding component. The two components are joined with each other with the recesses being opposed to each other. The hollow arm includes a wall that forms an opening at a first end of the hollow arm in a longitudinal direction. The wall includes a straight portion and a corner portion. The straight portion is welded to the pedal seat. The corner portion includes a reinforced portion configured to restrict distortion of the corner portion when a pedal force from a user is applied to the pedal seat.