Pedal Assembly Collision Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedal assemblies in vehicles often cause injury to drivers during collisions due to their design, which requires a large number of parts and can lead to the pedal becoming inoperable after a crash, and previous solutions like cable-based systems are prone to malfunction and limited in mounting options.
Innovation Solution
A pedal assembly with a release mechanism comprising a pedal arm, intermediate links, and a release lever that disconnects from the actuation link during a collision, using a shear pin and actuation mechanism to pivot the release lever and separate the links, reducing the transmission of energy to the driver's foot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable-based release mechanism is used to decouple the pedal during collision, then the pedal can be disconnected from the vehicle structure, but the cable may get caught or foul on objects under the dash, preventing proper functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable from the release mechanism entirely, replacing it with a direct mechanical linkage system. The release lever is directly connected to the intermediate link through rigid arms and pivot points, eliminating the flexible cable that could entangle or foul on objects under the dashboard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate link with first and second links that act as a mechanical mediator between the release lever and the pedal arm. This rigid intermediary structure replaces the cable-based indirect connection, providing reliable force transmission without the risk of cable entanglement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cable-based release mechanism is used, then the pedal can be decoupled during collision, but the mounting location is limited due to the need for cable routing and tension requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the cable routing system entirely, replacing it with a rigid mechanical linkage that can be directly mounted to the vehicle structure. This removal of the cable allows for greater flexibility in mounting locations without concerns about cable routing paths or tension maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate link structure serves multiple functions: it transmits force from the release lever, provides a pivot point for the release mechanism, and connects to the pedal arm. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components and simplifies mounting options across different vehicle configurations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional pedal decoupling methods are used that break the joint completely, then the pedal can be disconnected during collision, but the pedal becomes inoperable after the crash, which is inconvenient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic release mechanism where the intermediate link can pivot between connected and disconnected states. During normal operation, the link maintains a rigid connection for proper pedal function. During collision, the release lever pivots the intermediate link to a disconnected state, allowing the pedal to move independently to prevent driver injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connection mechanism into separable segments: the intermediate link with its first and second links, the release lever, and the pedal arm. These segmented components can be independently positioned - connected during normal use and disconnected during collision - enabling both operational functionality and crash safety.
4Reliability
If a release mechanism with multiple parts is used to decouple the pedal, then the pedal can be disconnected during collision, but the number of parts increases, requiring more clearance and increasing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the release lever, intermediate link, and connection arms into an integrated mechanical system. The first link and second link of the intermediate link are merged with the release lever through pivot connections, creating a compact assembly that functions as a unified decoupling mechanism rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate link serves multiple functions within the mechanism: it acts as a force transmission element from the release lever, provides a pivot point for the release mechanism, and maintains the structural connection to the pedal arm. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, minimizing the overall number of parts.
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 solution effectively reduces injury to the driver by disconnecting the pedal assembly from the vehicle structure during a collision, maintaining functionality after the incident, and simplifies the design to reduce costs and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a release lever and an actuation mechanism, the release lever being configured to pivot between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 2
the actuation mechanism being configured to contact the contact portion during a vehicle collision and actuate the pivoting of the release lever
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Provided herein is a pedal assembly (10) for a vehicle with an intermediate link (52, 54) releasably connected to an actuation link (56) of a push rod (14). The push rod is connected to a pedal arm (12) via the actuation link (56) and the intermediate link (52, 54). The intermediate link has two parallel links that are capable of movement from a first position to a second position during vehicle collision using a release lever (24). Upon rotation to its second position, the release lever (24) disconnects and forces the parallel links of the intermediate link (52, 54) away from each other, thus disconnecting the push rod (14) and pedal arm (12). Energy is prevented from being transmitted to the driver's foot, thereby reducing injury to the driver. An actuation mechanism (32), such as a reaction bracket, is mounted to a vehicle structure adjacent the release lever (24), and may actuate rotation of the lever.