Pedal Module Damping Part Radial Geometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pedal modules using double coil springs often produce abnormal noises and deteriorate the feeling of depressing the pedal due to interference between the damping part and the outside coil during compression.

Innovation Solution

The inserting portions of the damping part are designed with a middle portion protruding in the radial direction of the double coil spring, making it difficult for the side end portions to abut against the outside coil, and the slant surface angle is increased to prevent contact, thereby guiding the side end portions inside the outside coil, reducing noise and improving the pedal feel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the side end portions of the inserting portions abut against the outside coil in the gap between windings during compression, then the damping part can be retained by the double coil spring, but abnormal noises occur and pedal feel deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention of damping partVSAvoidabnormal noises
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inserting portion is designed with asymmetric geometry where the middle portion protrudes more than the side end portions in the radial direction. This asymmetric shape prevents the side end portions from entering the gap between windings of the outside coil during compression, thereby eliminating the source of abnormal noises while maintaining reliable retention through the protruding middle portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The solution introduces a radial dimension constraint by making the middle portion protrude in the radial direction of the double coil spring. This dimensional modification creates a geometric interference that prevents the side end portions from contacting the outside coil in the gap, transforming the retention mechanism from one that allows radial movement to one that constrains it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the side end portions enter the gap between windings of the outside coil, then the inserting portions can be retained, but impact occurs causing abnormal noises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention of inserting portionsVSAvoidimpact and abnormal noises
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inserting portion features asymmetric geometry with the middle portion extending further radially than the side end portions. This design ensures that during compression, the middle portion engages with the outside coil first, preventing the side end portions from entering the gap between windings and causing impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The protruding middle portion acts in advance to prevent the harmful action of side end portions entering the gap. By extending further in the radial direction, it creates a preliminary geometric constraint that stops the side end portions from reaching the gap between windings before impact can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If the side end portions abut against the outside coil during compression, then the damping part functions, but the feeling of depressing the pedal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctioning of damping partVSAvoidfeeling of depressing pedal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric design with the middle portion protruding further in the radial direction ensures that the side end portions do not contact the outside coil during compression. This eliminates the impact and abnormal sensations that deteriorate pedal feel, while the middle portion maintains the damping function through proper engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

By modifying the radial dimension of the middle portion to protrude further, the design prevents side end portion contact with the outside coil in the axial compression direction. This dimensional change eliminates harmful impacts while preserving the damping function through alternative engagement geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effectively prevents abnormal noises and pedal feel deterioration by minimizing contact between the side end portions and the outside coil, enhancing the overall performance of the pedal module.

Implementation Method 1

a pedal is turned forward by the action of a depressing force and is reversed by the urging force of a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the damping part 100 is arranged in the pedal module using a double coil spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS7823481B2Pedal module
Publication Date: 2010.11.02 DENSO CORP
  • US7823481B2 patent drawing
  • US7823481B2 patent drawing
  • US7823481B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pedal module includes a double coil spring, a pedal, and a damping part. The double coil spring includes an outside coil and an inside coil. The pedal turns in a forward direction when a depressing force is applied thereto and turns in a reverse direction when a restoring force of the double coil spring is applied thereto. The damping part has an inserting portion disposed between the outside coil and the inside coil. The inserting portion includes a middle portion and a first side end portion disposed relative to each other in a width direction that corresponds to a circumferential direction of the double coil spring. The middle portion crosses a radial axis of the double coil spring and protrudes beyond the first side end portion toward an axial end of the double coil spring.