Pedal Position Adjusting Mechanism for Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle adjustment systems fail to account for differences in driver height and leg size, leading to suboptimal and unsafe foot positioning on pedals, affecting safety and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An adjusting mechanism comprising a motor-driven rotary motion conversion system that allows for independent angular adjustment of vehicle pedals, using rotating members and translating mechanisms to change the position of pedals relative to the driver, with position sensors for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If seat or steering wheel adjustment systems are used, then driver position relative to driving commands can be modified, but optimal and safe position of driver's foot on the pedal is not always ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal adjustment system is segmented into independent adjustable components: the pedal support frame can rotate independently about a fulcrum, and the pedal itself can be positioned independently on the support frame. This segmentation allows separate optimization of seat position and pedal position, ensuring both overall driver comfort and precise foot-pedal alignment for safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motor-driven pedal adjustment systems are used, then pedal position can be adjusted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal support frame is designed as a dynamic component that can rotate about a fulcrum between multiple angular positions, allowing the pedal assembly to adapt its position. This dynamic mechanism provides adjustable pedal positioning without requiring complex multi-actuator systems, maintaining relatively simple device architecture while achieving versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pedal rotation mechanism with slotted hole and pin is used, then angular position adjustment is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slotted hole geometry is specifically designed with its extension direction arranged at a specific angle relative to the pedal rotation axis. This parameter optimization allows the pin to engage the slot at predetermined angular positions, achieving accurate pedal positioning while tolerating normal manufacturing variations. The slot acts as a mechanical guide that converts linear pin movement into precise angular pedal rotation.
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
Enables secure, independent adjustment of pedal positions, improving driver safety and comfort by accommodating varying driver sizes and ensuring optimal foot placement, regardless of seat or steering wheel adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to generate and transmit a rotary motion to rotating members
Implementation Method 2
a first motion conversion mechanism, comprising a first rotating member rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a first translating member, the first motion conversion mechanism being configured to receive the rotary motion transmitted from the motor to the first rotating member and to convert said rotary motion into a translational motion of the first translating member
Implementation Method 3
a first pin arranged for joint translation with said first translating member and arranged to slide within said first slotted hole, whereby sliding of the first pin inside said first slot draws the first support frame in rotation about the first fulcrum
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a vehicle comprising a mechanism for adjusting the angular position of a vehicle pedal includes a motor for generating and transmitting rotary motion to a rotating member, a first pedal assembly having a first support frame with a first slotted hole, rotatably supported on a first fulcrum and supporting a first pedal, a first motion conversion mechanism, having a first rotating member rotatable about a first rotation axis and a first translating member, receiving and converting rotational motion into translational motion, and a first pin, for joint translation with the first translating member and sliding inside the first slotted hole. Sliding of the first pin draws the first support frame in rotation about the first fulcrum between a first and a second angular position. The mechanism includes a second pedal assembly. The first rotating member is connected to the motor to receive rotary motion. A second rotating member of a second motion conversion mechanism is connected in rotation to the first rotating member through a flexible transmission.