Vehicle Pedal Linkage With Shear Release for Stable Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle operation pedal devices face issues with unstable pedal operation due to deformation or disconnection of components during non-collision situations, leading to difficulties in actuating the input shaft of the device.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle operation pedal device with a partition wall, pedal bracket, operation pedal, rotation lever, and shear portion, where the rotation lever rotates to press the input shaft intersecting with its axis upon collision, and the shear portion fixes or breaks based on load threshold to stabilize operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the push rod is connected to the connecting arm to transmit depression force, then the input shaft can be moved, but the connecting arm may deform or disconnect during non-collision situations, leading to unstable pedal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting arm is divided into a first link and a second link connected by a third connecting shaft. This segmentation allows the first link to contact the instrument panel reinforcement for support while the second link transmits force to the push rod, preventing deformation and disconnection of the entire connecting arm structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument panel reinforcement acts as an intermediary structural member. The first link contacts this reinforcement to receive support during pedal operation, distributing loads and preventing the connecting arm from deforming or disconnecting, thereby ensuring stable operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the first link contacts the instrument panel reinforcement to prevent rearward movement during collision, then the brake pedal can be protected, but the rivet shaft may break due to excessive shear stress
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet shaft is designed with a specific strength parameter lower than other connecting shafts, making it a sacrificial component. During collision, when the load exceeds a threshold, the rivet shaft breaks to allow the rotation arm to rotate, preventing excessive rearward movement of the brake pedal while protecting the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harmful effect of the rivet shaft breaking under excessive load is converted into a beneficial safety feature. The controlled breakage allows the rotation arm to rotate freely, enabling the brake pedal to move forward and reducing rearward movement during collision, thus protecting the driver and vehicle structure.
3Reliability
If multiple connecting shafts are used to support the rotation arm, then the structure can be stable during normal operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different connecting shafts have different strength characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The first and second connecting shafts have higher strength for stable support during normal operation, while the third connecting shaft (rivet shaft) has lower strength to act as a sacrificial element during collision, optimizing both stability and safety without excessive complexity.
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
Stable pedal operation is maintained in non-collision states, and rearward movement is reduced during collisions without component detachment, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The shear portion is configured to fix the rotation lever to the pedal arm when the load applied to the rotation lever from the vehicle body structural member is less than the threshold. The shear portion is also configured to cancel the fixation by being broken when the load is greater than or equal to the threshold.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle operation pedal device includes a pedal bracket, an operation pedal, a rotation lever, and a shear portion. The rotation lever includes a contact portion and a pressing portion. The rotation lever is configured to, by receiving a load greater than or equal to a threshold when the contact portion comes into contact with the vehicle body structural member, rotate about the rotation shaft such that the pressing portion presses the input shaft. The shear portion is configured to fix the rotation lever to the pedal arm when the load applied to the rotation lever from the vehicle body structural member is less than the threshold, and cancel the fixation by being broken when the load is greater than or equal to the threshold.