Pedal Assembly Redundant Sensing for Slight Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pivot pins in pedal assemblies are additional parts, increase complexity and cost, and existing Hall Effect sensing techniques fail to accurately sense slight movements, while sensor assemblies are not protected from external elements and air gap changes.
Innovation Solution
A pedal assembly with integrated protrusions having geared surfaces, a drive assembly with a gear and sensors, and redundant sensing using inductive and Hall Effect technologies to independently sense the movement of the gear and protrusions, providing a mechanical multiplier for enhanced sensing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pivot pin is used to couple the pedal arm to the housing, then the pedal arm can pivot relative to the housing, but the device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pivot pin function with the pedal arm by integrating a pivot portion directly into the pedal arm structure, eliminating the need for a separate pivot pin component. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the pivoting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal arm is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both the structural body and the pivot mechanism into a single integrated component, allowing it to serve both as the moving element and the pivoting joint.
2Measurement precision
If sensor assemblies are exposed to sense movement, then sensing function is provided, but they are not protected from outside elements and changes in air gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a protective housing or enclosure that shields the sensor assembly from external elements such as moisture, dust, and contaminants. This protective barrier maintains sensor performance while allowing the sensing function to operate effectively.
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 solution allows for accurate sensing of slight movements, reduces mechanical losses, and provides a more robust and compact pedal assembly with fewer failure modes, enhancing sensing correlation and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor assembly configured to sense movement of the gear and a second sensor assembly configured to sense movement of the at least one of the pair of protrusions
Implementation Method 2
In Hall Effect sensing techniques in pedal assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein are directed to a pedal assembly that includes a pedal arm, a drive assembly, and a sensing assembly. The pedal arm having a pair of protrusions extending therefrom and at least one has a geared surface. The drive assembly has a gear configured to complement the geared surface of the one of the protrusions. The sensing assembly has a first sensor assembly configured to sense movement of the gear and a second sensor assembly configured to sense movement of the at least one of the pair of protrusions. When a force is applied onto the pedal arm, the at least one of the pair of protrusions having the geared surface moves to drive the gear, the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly independently sense the movement of the gear and the at least one of the pair of protrusions, respectively.