Movable Pedal Box Linkage for Fixed Actuator Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable pedal systems for vehicles add complexity to the linkage between pedals and actuators, limiting adjustability and requiring redesigns for different vehicle models and actuator placements.
Innovation Solution
A movable pedal apparatus with a connection member of variable length, featuring first and second joints with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the pedal to move between initial and subsequent positions without requiring actuator movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pedal box is made movable to adjust distance between seat and pedals, then adaptability for drivers of different heights is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional linkage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member is designed to perform multiple functions: it connects the pedal to the actuator, accommodates pedal translation movement, and maintains proper mechanical linkage geometry. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while preserving adjustability for drivers of different heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt its geometry during pedal movement. The member can accommodate changes in distance and angle between the pedal and actuator as the pedal box translates, maintaining functional integrity without requiring fixed rigid linkages or additional adjustment mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If the actuator is fixed in location, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability of pedal box movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member's geometric parameters (length, angle, orientation) are designed to change dynamically as the pedal box translates. This allows the member to accommodate a range of pedal positions and angles while the actuator remains fixed, providing extensive pedal box adaptability without requiring actuator relocation or redesign.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator is moved to different locations for different vehicle models, then adaptability to different vehicle configurations is improved, but device complexity increases due to redesign requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various actuator locations and pedal configurations. Its dynamic geometry and multi-functional design allow it to maintain proper mechanical linkage regardless of where the actuator is positioned in the vehicle, eliminating the need for model-specific redesigns.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the distance and route between actuator and brake pedal are changed, then adaptability to different vehicle configurations is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member is designed with adjustable and dynamic geometric parameters that can accommodate variations in distance and routing between the actuator and pedal. This flexibility reduces the need for high-precision manufacturing, as the connection member can adapt to reasonable tolerances in installation and configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a movable pedal apparatus for driving a remotely mounted actuator, the movable pedal apparatus comprising: a pedal; a connection member; a first joint through which the pedal is coupled to the connection member, the first joint permitting transfer of rotation of the pedal to the connection member to cause rotation of the connection member; and a second joint through which the connection member is couplable to the remotely mounted actuator, the second joint permitting rotation of the connection member to cause an input to the remotely mounted actuator.