Pedal Actuating Device Push Rod Truncated Cone Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuating devices with a pedal lever and push rod can result in incorrect installation of the push rod, leading to potential damage to brake or clutch devices due to the push rod getting caught in an incorrectly installed position, causing safety issues and high repair costs.

Innovation Solution

The actuating device features a receiving part with an inner and outer truncated cone arrangement, where the inner cone acts as a funnel-shaped receptacle for the push rod, and the outer cone functions as a sliding bevel, preventing incorrect insertion and ensuring secure engagement of the push rod, with a bearing ball and spring clip mechanism for secure locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a funnel-shaped receiving part is used to guide the push rod, then the assembly process is simplified and automatic assembly becomes possible, but the push rod can get caught in an incorrectly installed position causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidincorrect installation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving part is divided into two distinct conical surfaces: an inner truncated cone for receiving the push rod and an outer truncated cone acting as a sliding bevel. This segmentation allows the inner cone to guide correct insertion while the outer cone prevents incorrect installation by providing a sloped barrier that deflects misaligned push rods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer truncated cone is positioned preliminarily to counteract potential incorrect insertion before it can cause damage. When the push rod approaches at an incorrect angle, the outer cone's sloped surface creates opposing force that deflects the push rod back, preventing it from getting caught in the bearing socket.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Extent of automation

If a spherical bearing head and bearing cup connection is used, then fully automatic final assembly becomes possible, but there is no prevention against incorrect installation positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic assemblyVSAvoidinstallation correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving part employs asymmetric conical surfaces rather than symmetric spherical connections. The inner truncated cone provides a tapered guide that naturally directs the push rod into the correct position, while the outer truncated cone creates an asymmetric barrier that only allows correct angular approach, preventing automatic assembly errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If the push rod is allowed to move freely during assembly, then assembly is easier, but the push rod can be installed in incorrect positions leading to brake or clutch device damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoiddamage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outer truncated cone performs a preliminary action by deflecting incorrectly aligned push rods before they can reach the bearing socket. This preliminary deflection action prevents harmful incorrect installation while maintaining ease of correct assembly, as properly aligned push rods pass through unaffected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2632779B1Actuating device comprising a pedal and a push rod articulated thereon
Publication Date: 2017.07.05 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2632779B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2632779B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In an actuating device comprising a pedal and a push rod articulated thereon for transmitting a force exerted on the pedal, wherein the push rod is mounted in a receiving part fastened to the pedal, the receiving part has an inner and an outer truncated cone which are connected to one another such that the large base surface area of the inner truncated cone oriented in the direction of the push rod forms the small base surface area of the outer truncated cone, and wherein the receiving part is formed by the lateral faces of the truncated cones which are connected to one another.