Pedal Box Damping Pad for Frontal Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedal assemblies for motor vehicles do not adequately protect the driver's foot from impact with the pedals during a frontal collision, as known systems fail to effectively cushion the foot from the pedal module during a forward movement.
Innovation Solution
A pedal assembly featuring a damping pad made of expanded polymer, which is glued to the pedal module and extends on either side to absorb shocks, positioned between the pedal module and the driver's seat to prevent direct contact and injury, without requiring additional fastening systems on the vehicle chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a foam pad with cavity is used to support the foot at the end of pedal travel, then the foot is supported when the pedal is fully depressed, but the foot is not protected from impact when moving forward during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning a shock-absorbing pad made of expanded polymer material between the driver's foot and the pedal assembly before any collision occurs. This pad is pre-installed on the pedal module, ensuring that when a frontal collision happens and the foot moves forward, the cushioning is already in place to absorb the impact energy and prevent injury to the foot or ankle.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shock-absorbing pad is added to protect the foot, then foot injury risk is reduced, but the device complexity and mounting system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shock-absorbing pad directly with the pedal module by attaching it to the pedal assembly structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting systems on the vehicle chassis, as the pad becomes part of the existing pedal unit. The simplified installation process and reduced component count directly address the device complexity concern while maintaining effective foot protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the shock-absorbing pad completely covers the pedal assembly, then optimal cushioning is provided, but the material cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning the shock-absorbing pad specifically where foot impact is most likely to occur during a collision, rather than uniformly covering the entire pedal assembly. The pad is placed between the foot and the pedal module, focusing the cushioning material exactly where it is needed to protect the driver's foot, thereby optimizing protection while controlling manufacturing costs.
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 damping pad effectively cushions the foot from impact with the pedal module, reducing the risk of bodily injury during a frontal collision by absorbing shocks and preventing the foot from hitting the pedal assembly, thus enhancing driver safety without increasing the vehicle's weight.
Implementation Method 1
a shock-absorbing pad (30) made of an expanded polymer... capable of cushioning contact between the foot and the pedal assembly
Implementation Method 2
The shock-absorbing pad (30) is made of an expanded polymer such as polystyrene or expanded polypropylene
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a pedal box for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a pedal-box module (10) designed to be fastened to a chassis (1) of the vehicle, and - at least one pedal (11) articulated with respect to the pedal-box module in order to be controlled by a driver's foot (20), characterized in that the pedal box (1) comprises at least one damping buffer (30) designed to damp contact between the driver's foot (20) and the pedal-box module (10) in particular in the event of the vehicle being involved in a frontal impact.