Vehicle Pedal Rocker Friction Reset With Backup Spring Return
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle pedals face challenges in reliably resetting the pedal arm to its resting position, particularly when the first resetting spring is non-functional or blocked, leading to difficulties in movement and potential operational failures.
Innovation Solution
A pedal design featuring a rocker-based friction system with a separate friction element connected to the pedal arm via a resetting spring and a connection element, along with a second resetting spring that ensures the pedal arm returns to its resting position even if the first spring is non-functional, using a connection element to apply pressure and a bearing part to facilitate movement, enhancing reliability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a first resetting spring is used to return the pedal arm to its resting position, then the resetting function is provided, but the system becomes unreliable when the spring is non-functional or blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a second resetting spring as a backup mechanism that is pre-positioned and ready to activate if the first resetting spring fails. This backup spring is arranged to engage with the pedal arm through a connection element, ensuring that resetting functionality is maintained even when the primary spring becomes non-functional or blocked, thereby providing beforehand cushioning against failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different parts of the resetting mechanism. The first resetting spring provides the primary resetting force, while the second resetting spring provides a backup resetting force. Each spring has its own connection path and friction element, allowing localized failure without system-wide failure. This differentiation of local qualities enhances overall reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a friction system with a separate friction element is used to control pedal movement, then movement control is improved, but the friction partners may block and prevent resetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the friction control function into separate friction elements, each associated with its own resetting spring. The first friction element works with the first resetting spring, and the second friction element works with the second resetting spring. This segmentation ensures that if one friction element blocks, the other can still facilitate resetting through its dedicated spring, preventing complete system failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces connection elements as intermediaries between the friction elements and the pedal arm. These connection elements provide alternative force transmission paths that can bypass blocked friction interfaces. When a friction partner blocks, the connection element allows the corresponding resetting spring to directly influence the pedal arm's position, ensuring resetting reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple resetting springs are used to ensure reliable resetting, then resetting reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the second resetting spring and its associated components to serve dual purposes: it acts as a backup resetting mechanism and also provides alternative force transmission through the connection element. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain resetting capability through multiple paths without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same components serve multiple protective functions.
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 design improves the resetting of the pedal arm to its resting position by preventing relative movement between friction partners and ensuring automatic return in case of spring failures, maintaining operational efficiency and safety through a compact and robust mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the separate friction element is pressed by means of the rocker against the friction surface of the base part in a manner causing friction
Implementation Method 2
a first resetting spring arranged between the separate friction element and the rocker
Implementation Method 3
at least one second resetting spring carrying out the movement of the pedal arm in the direction of its resting position
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal for a motor vehicle is provided, having a pedal arm with at least one first resetting spring and with a friction system comprising a separate friction element and a friction surface of the base part corresponding to the separate friction element. The friction system features a rocker arranged in a rotatable manner on the base part and the at least one first resetting spring is arranged between the separate friction element and the rocker. The separate friction element is connected in a pressure-transmitting manner with the pedal arm by the at least one first resetting spring and at least one connection element. At least one second resetting spring is arranged between one bearing part connected in a pressure-transmitting manner with the pedal arm by the at least one connection element and the base part or the rocker.