Pedal Device Damping via Friction Bearing Sub-elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedal devices for vehicles lack a compact design that securely mounts the pedal element while effectively damping the deflection movement, which is crucial for precise operation.
Innovation Solution
A pedal device with a base element and a pedal element that can be deflected, featuring a bearing element with separate or flexible first and second bearing parts, where the first part is connected to the pedal element and the second part is acted upon by a restoring element, such as a spring, to create outwardly directed pressing forces that increase friction between the bearing parts and a shell, thereby damping the movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact pedal device design is used, then the structure is simplified and space is reduced, but the damping effect of the deflection movement may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing element is divided into multiple bearing part elements (first bearing part element, second bearing part element, etc.) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the creation of multiple friction interfaces within a compact space, enhancing the damping effect without increasing the overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes elastic restoring elements (springs) to dynamically adjust the pressing forces between bearing part elements. By changing the elastic parameters and preloading forces, the friction characteristics are optimized to provide sufficient damping within a compact structure.
2Reliability
If separate bearing part elements are used to create friction for damping, then the damping effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bearing part elements are accommodated within a single bearing shell, merging multiple damping functions into one integrated component. The bearing element as a whole serves both the structural support function and the damping function through the relative movement of its internal part elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing shell serves multiple functions: it accommodates the bearing part elements, provides the friction surface for damping, and maintains the structural integrity of the pedal device. The elastic restoring elements simultaneously provide both the restoring force and the pressing force necessary for friction-based damping.
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
This design achieves secure mounting and effective damping of the deflection movement with high frictional forces in a compact structure, eliminating the need for additional damping elements and allowing for precise operation.
Implementation Method 1
there is an outwardly directed pressing force on the bearing sub-elements, by which the bearing sub-elements are pressed against the bearing shell. Upon actuation, namely deflection of the pedal element in the direction of actuation, ie against the action of the restoring element, the partial bearing elements are thus pressed outwards against the bearing shell. At the same time, there is a relative movement between the partial bearing elements and the bearing shell that at least partially surrounds them. The movement of the parts pressed against each other results in increased bearing friction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pedal device. For the actuation, a pedal element 14, 18 is deflectable in relation to a basic element 12. A bearing element 26 is accommodated and rotatably mounted in at least one bearing shell 32, 34 on the basic element 12. The bearing element 26 comprises at least one first bearing sub-element 22 and a second bearing sub-element 24 which is movable in relation to the first bearing sub-element 22. The first bearing sub-element 22 is connected to the pedal element 14, 18. At least one resetting element 20 acts on the second bearing sub-element 24. In order, with as compact a design as possible, to permit secure mounting of the pedal element with damping of the deflection movement, the first and second bearing sub-elements 22, 24 are arranged with respect to each other in such a manner that they are supported against each other at at least one support point 38. When the pedal element 14, 18 is deflected counter to the action of the resetting element 20, an outwardly directed press-on force arises on the bearing sub-elements 22, 24 such that the latter are pressed onto the bearing shell 32, 34.