Semi-Automatic Pedal Linkage for Pickup Trunk Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pickup trucks have high vehicle bodies making it inconvenient for users to enter the trunk or cargo hold, and retrofitting solutions are costly and disruptive to the vehicle's original design.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic pedal system with a fixed seat and transmission assembly, including an elastic driving member, transmission arms, and a sliding member, that allows the pedal to fold and unfold, facilitating easy access to the truck's interior while minimizing protrusion and retrofitting costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a high vehicle body is used for pickup trucks, then cargo capacity and structural strength are improved, but user convenience for entering the trunk is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal is designed as a dynamic component that can rotate between a retracted position (parallel to the bumper) and an extended position (protruding downward). This dynamic structure allows the pedal to provide step support when needed while maintaining a compact profile during normal operation, thus improving user convenience without compromising the high vehicle body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal system is segmented into multiple components: the pedal body, transmission assembly, elastic driving member, and limiting mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the pedal to extend and retract smoothly while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the high vehicle body.
2Ease of operation
If automatic pedal systems are implemented, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic driving member (spring) provides automatic resetting functionality, causing the pedal to return to its retracted position after being stepped on without requiring external power or control systems. This self-service mechanism significantly reduces system complexity while maintaining automatic operation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a pure mechanical transmission assembly consisting of linkages, rotating shafts, and a limiting mechanism. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for motors, sensors, and control electronics, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while achieving semi-automatic pedal operation.
3Ease of operation
If the pedal protrudes outward for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but vehicle aesthetics and trafficability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal dynamically changes its position based on usage requirements. During normal vehicle operation, the pedal remains retracted and parallel to the bumper, preserving the vehicle's aesthetic appearance and trafficability. When users need to access the trunk, the pedal extends downward to provide step support, thus resolving the conflict between aesthetics and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal operates periodically, extending when users approach and needing to enter the trunk, then retracting after use. This periodic action ensures the pedal is visible and functional only when needed, minimizing its impact on vehicle aesthetics and trafficability during normal operation while providing ease of access when required.
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 system improves user comfort and convenience by allowing the pedal to adjust to a suitable height for entry and retract when not in use, reducing interference with the vehicle's aesthetics and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission assembly (18)... including an elastic driving member (30)... The elastic driving member (30) is connected to the first fixed plate (11) through the first rotating shaft (60)... The first transmission arm (20) is connected to the first fixed plate (11) through the second rotating shaft (61)... The upper end of the first transmission arm (20) is connected to the lower end of the elastic driving member (30) through the third rotating shaft (62)
Data Source
AI summary
A semi-automatic pedal includes a fixed base including first and second fixed plates; a pedal; and a transmission assembly. The second fixed plate, provided with a limiting passage, has an upper end connected to the first fixed plate; the first fixed plate is rotationally connected to upper ends of an elastic driving member and a first transmission arm by first and second rotating shafts respectively; the first transmission arm has an upper end rotationally connected to a lower end of the elastic driving member by a third rotating shaft, and a lower end rotationally connected to an upper end of a second transmission arm by a fourth rotating shaft; the second transmission arm, provided with a track limiting groove provided slidably with the sliding member therein, is connected to the pedal at a lower end thereof, and to a lower end of the second fixed plate by a sliding member.