Motor Vehicle Pedal Rocker Spring Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle pedals face challenges in reliably returning the pedal arm to its rest position, particularly when the first return spring is blocked or nonfunctional, leading to difficulties in restoring the pedal to its original position.
Innovation Solution
A pedal design featuring a rocker with a separate friction element and a second return spring, which promotes the movement of the pedal arm to its rest position, even if the first return spring is nonfunctional, using a connecting element like a coupling bar to ensure effective force transmission and a compact, space-saving design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a first return spring is used to restore the pedal arm to its rest position, then the restoration function is provided, but the system becomes vulnerable to failure when the spring is blocked or nonfunctional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second return spring as a backup mechanism that is pre-positioned and ready to act if the first return spring fails. This backup spring is connected to the pedal arm through a connecting element, ensuring that restoration capability is maintained even when the primary spring becomes nonfunctional, thus cushioning against future failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent differentiates the functions of the two return springs: the first return spring primarily acts during normal operation, while the second return spring is designed to act specifically when the first spring is blocked or nonfunctional. This local differentiation of function across similar components allows the system to handle both normal and failure conditions effectively.
2Reliability
If a friction system with a separate friction element is used to generate friction force, then friction control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the friction element from the pedal arm structure, making it a distinct, replaceable component. This segmentation allows the friction element to be independently optimized for friction control while simplifying maintenance and replacement, as it can be serviced separately from the main pedal mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element acts as an intermediary between the pedal arm and the second return spring, enabling force transmission while allowing independent movement and positioning of the spring components. This intermediary structure facilitates the complex force interactions without requiring direct rigid connections.
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 ensures reliable restoration of the pedal arm to its rest position, even in cases of malfunction, by utilizing the second return spring to automatically return the pedal arm, enhancing the pedal's functionality and reducing the risk of mechanical failure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first return spring, arranged between the separate friction element and the rocker, is designed such that when the pedal arm moves in the direction of its maximum actuation position, the rocker is pressed against a friction surface of the separate friction element in a friction force-generating manner
Implementation Method 2
a bearing part for at least one second return spring which promotes the movement of the pedal arm in the direction of its rest position
Implementation Method 3
the rocker is pressed against a friction surface of the separate friction element in a friction force-generating manner
Data Source
AI summary
In order to provide a pedal for a motor vehicle in which restoration of the pedal arm to its rest position is improved, it is proposed that a friction system has a rocker and the first return spring is disposed between the separate friction element and the rocker such that when the pedal arm moves in the direction of its maximum actuation position, the rocker is pressed against a friction surface of the separate friction elements in a friction force-generating manner, wherein the separate friction element is connected to the pedal arm in a compressive force-transmitting manner by means of the at least one first return spring, a bearing part for a second return spring, and a connecting element, and wherein the second return spring is disposed between the bearing part and the base part or the bearing part and the rocker.