Pedal Simulator Friction Member Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pedal simulators provide a linear reaction force and low friction, leading to unnatural pedal feeling and increased driver fatigue due to consistent resistance during pedal operation and release.
Innovation Solution
A pedal simulator design incorporating a friction member surrounding the piston to provide variable frictional force and additional reaction force members to enhance pedal feeling and reduce fatigue by altering the reaction force path during pedal operation and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dry-bush with low frictional force is arranged in the piston reciprocation area, then noise is reduced and operability is improved, but the reaction force against pedal operation becomes insufficient and unnatural
Solution Approach 1:
The friction member is divided into multiple contact portions (first contact portion, second contact portion, third contact portion) that contact different areas of the piston at different stages of piston movement. This segmentation allows the friction characteristics to vary during the pedal operation cycle, providing different reaction forces for different phases while maintaining smooth operability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the friction member have different friction characteristics. The first contact portion provides friction during initial piston movement, the second contact portion provides friction during intermediate movement, and the third contact portion provides friction during final movement. This local differentiation of friction properties creates a natural, progressive reaction force that varies with pedal position.
2Device complexity
If conventional linear reaction force characteristics are used, then the structure is simple, but the driver feels unnatural pedal operation and experiences increased fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The friction member is designed to dynamically change its friction characteristics during piston movement. As the piston moves from initial to final position, different contact portions engage and disengage, causing the friction force to vary dynamically. This creates a non-linear reaction force profile that mimics natural pedal feel while maintaining relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction member engages with the piston in a periodic manner during the reciprocation cycle. The first contact portion engages during initial movement, then the second contact portion engages during intermediate movement, and the third contact portion engages during final movement. This periodic engagement pattern creates a natural, rhythmical pedal feel that reduces driver fatigue.
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 provides a natural and stable pedal feeling by varying the reaction force path, reducing driver fatigue through enhanced friction and additional resistance mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a friction member supported by the housing to provide frictional force between itself and the piston when the piston moves forward or backward
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal simulator is disclosed. A pedal simulator according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include a housing; a piston, at least a front portion of which is arranged inside the housing and connected to a pedal of a vehicle, and moving forward or backward according to the movement of the pedal; a reaction force member arranged inside the housing to be compressed in accordance with the forward movement of the piston and providing a reaction force to the forward movement of the piston; and a friction member supported by the housing to provide frictional force between itself and the piston when the piston moves forward or backward.