Floor Pivot Pedal Assembly Hidden Fastener Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor pivot pedal assemblies in automotive vehicles are difficult to install due to complex and costly mounting methods, which can be unsightly and increase installation time, often requiring multiple visible fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A floor pivot pedal assembly with a body mounting bracket and a pedal mounting bracket that uses a unique securement mechanism with barbs and a single hidden fastener, allowing for easy alignment and secure attachment without visible fasteners, utilizing a nut and bolt system for securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple bolts and complex snap features are used to mount the pedal assembly, then the securement is reliable, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the pedal assembly with integrated mounting bracket, the floor pivot pedal assembly receiving structure, and the fastener system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall mounting process to a single securement operation rather than multiple complex fastening steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mounting bracket as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between the pedal assembly and the vehicle floor. This intermediary element provides a standardized interface that simplifies the mounting process while ensuring reliable securement, eliminating the need for complex direct attachment methods
2Reliability
If multiple visible fasteners are used to secure the pedal assembly, then the securement is reliable, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastener elements from visible locations and relocates them to hidden positions within the pedal assembly structure. The single fastener is positioned internally within the mounting bracket, removing it from the driver's field of view while maintaining its securement function, thus resolving the conflict between reliability and aesthetics
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners must be aligned and installed, then the securement is reliable, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate fastening operations into a single integrated securement action. By designing the pedal assembly with a unified mounting bracket that uses one fastener to secure both the pedal assembly and the floor pivot pedal assembly, the installation process is reduced from multiple alignment and fastening steps to a single operation, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining securement reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A floor pivot pedal assembly for use in a vehicle having a floor. The pedal assembly may include a body mounting bracket, a pedal mounting bracket and a floor pivot foot pedal having a lower end pivotally connected to a hinge located on an upper surface of the lower mounting portion. The body mounting bracket has slots for receiving securement flanges for securing the body mounting bracket to the pedal mounting bracket. A fastener also secures the body mounting bracket to the pedal mounting bracket.