Pedal Pad Assembly With Linear Sensing for Minimal Travel Load Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pedal assemblies for vehicles face challenges in load balancing and precise measurement of small movements of the pedal arm due to uneven pressure application on the pedal pad, particularly in minimal-travel applications where direct center contact is not required.
Innovation Solution
A pedal pad assembly that includes a housing, a pedal pad, link members, sliding members, and sensors, where the pedal pad translates the housing along a first movement axis in response to applied load, and the sliding members move perpendicular to this axis, allowing sensors to accurately sense minimal movements and amplify them for precise load detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional inductive or Hall Effect sensors are used to measure pedal arm pivot, then the sensor can detect the amount of pivot, but the measurement precision is insufficient for small amount of travel and load balancing is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement from direct pivot angle detection to linear displacement detection along a perpendicular axis. By using a sliding member that moves linearly perpendicular to the pedal arm pivot axis, and coupling it through a link member, the system converts rotational movement into linear movement that can be precisely measured by linear sensors, thereby improving measurement precision for small travels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components (link member and sliding member) between the pedal arm and the sensor. The link member couples the pedal arm to the sliding member, and the sliding member translates the rotational movement into linear movement. This intermediary mechanism amplifies and transforms the small pivot movements into larger, more easily measurable linear displacements, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If floor mounted pedal pads are used, then the pedal pad can be positioned on the floor, but load balancing is difficult because users may not apply the same pressure or load over the entire pedal pad
Solution Approach 1:
The link member acts as an intermediary that couples the pedal pad to the sliding member. This linkage mechanism ensures that regardless of where on the pedal pad the load is applied, the force is transmitted through the link member to produce consistent linear movement of the sliding member. This intermediary structure balances the load distribution and enables precise load detection even when pressure application varies across the pedal pad surface.
3Volume of moving object
If minimal-travel pedal assemblies are used, then the pedal assembly can provide compact design, but the ability to sense and measure small movements is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures movement along a dimension perpendicular to the pedal arm pivot axis. The sliding member moves linearly perpendicular to the pivot axis, and this linear movement is coupled through the link member to reflect the pedal arm's rotational position. By measuring in this perpendicular dimension, the system achieves high measurement precision for small angular travels while maintaining a compact pedal assembly design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic coupling mechanism where the link member connects the rotating pedal arm to the linearly moving sliding member. This dynamic linkage transforms the rotational movement into linear movement in real-time, enabling the sensor to continuously track small angular displacements with high precision while keeping the overall assembly compact. The dynamic nature of the coupling allows accurate measurement throughout the minimal travel range.
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 enables more accurate modulation of minimal travel pedal pads by amplifying minimal movements, ensuring precise load detection and balancing across the pedal pad, improving the sensitivity and accuracy of load measurement regardless of where the load is applied.
Implementation Method 1
various inductive or Hall Effect type sensors are positioned within the housing to measure the amount of pivot of the pedal arm
Implementation Method 2
various inductive or Hall Effect type sensors are positioned within the housing to measure the amount of pivot of the pedal arm
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein are directed to a pedal pad assembly that includes a housing, a pedal pad, at least one link member, at least one sliding member, and a sensor. The pedal pad is coupled to the housing and configured to translate the housing along a first movement axis in response to a load applied to the pedal pad. A proximal end of the at least one link member is coupled to an outer surface of the housing. The at least one sliding member is coupled to a distal end of the at least one link member. The sensor is configured to sense a position of the at least one sliding member along a second movement axis. During a translation of the housing along the first movement axis, the proximal end of the at least one link member moves translating the at least one sliding member about the second movement axis.