Pyrotechnic Pedal Release Assembly for Collision Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedal assembly designs for vehicle systems fail to effectively manage kinetic energy transfer during collisions, as they either require substantial pyrotechnic charges, complex structural modifications, or do not provide full release of the pedal arm, posing challenges in balancing safety and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A pedal assembly with a pyrotechnic actuator that triggers deformation of retainer brackets to allow the pedal arm to move rearwardly, reducing kinetic energy transfer to the driver's foot and leg, while maintaining some control over the system post-collision through a releasable connector and end-stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pyrotechnic charge is used to break the mounting bracket, then the pedal arm can be released, but the pyrotechnic charge must be rather substantial which creates safety concerns near the driver's body
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is segmented into a main body and a separate breakable support pin. The support pin is designed as a distinct component that can be selectively broken by a small pyrotechnic charge, while the main bracket body remains intact and structurally sound. This segmentation allows the release function to be isolated to a specific weak point rather than requiring the entire bracket to be compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pin acts as an intermediary element between the pyrotechnic actuator and the pedal arm retention system. The small pyrotechnic charge breaks the support pin, which in turn releases the retainer brackets and allows the pedal arm to be released. This intermediary mechanism translates a small energy input into a complete release function without requiring a large pyrotechnic charge near the driver.
2Quantity of substance
If the mounting bracket is designed structurally weaker at the pedal's connection area, then a smaller pyrotechnic charge can be used, but the mounting bracket is no longer strong and robust
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket structure is segmented into a strong main body and a deliberately weaker support pin. The support pin is designed with reduced structural strength specifically at the pedal connection area, allowing it to be broken by a small pyrotechnic charge. The main bracket body maintains its full structural strength and robustness for normal operation and mounting purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket exhibits local quality variation where the support pin has locally reduced strength at specific connection points, while the overall bracket structure maintains high strength and robustness. This localized weakness is strategically placed to enable pyrotechnic release without compromising the global structural integrity of the mounting bracket.
3Reliability
If side plates and rotating lock handles are used, then the pedal arm can be retained, but the pivot location shifts and full release is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The support pin is extracted as a separate, removable component that can be completely broken and removed by the pyrotechnic actuator. Unlike integrated retention systems where the pivot point remains constrained, the extracted support pin allows complete removal of the retention function, enabling full release of the pedal arm without any remaining mechanical constraints that would shift the pivot location.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system transitions from a static, constrained configuration to a dynamic, fully releaseable configuration. The support pin and retainer brackets are designed to move from a locked retention position to a completely released position when the support pin is broken. This dynamic design allows the pedal arm to achieve full release capability rather than being constrained to a shifted pivot location.
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 effectively reduces kinetic energy transfer to the driver's foot and leg during collisions, ensuring safety while allowing for post-collision control of vehicle systems, thus addressing the limitations of previous designs by using a pyrotechnic actuator to enable rearward movement of the pedal arm and maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A pyrotechnic actuator is arranged with respect to the retainer brackets such that the pyrotechnic actuator when triggered enables deformation of the retainer brackets to a releasing position
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal assembly actuates a rigid actuator of a functional system in a motor vehicle. The assembly comprises a mounting bracket having spaced apart support members defining a pedal receiving space. A pedal arm has a pedal pad and an actuator connector. A pair of retainer brackets are normally in a retaining position secured against front-rear movement. At least one pivot pin pivotally connects the proximal end of the pedal arm to the retainer brackets. A pyrotechnic actuator has an input for receiving an actuating signal and when triggered enables deformation of the retainer bracket to a releasing position wherein the retainer brackets permit the at least one pivot pin and the proximal end of the pedal arm to move rearwardly with respect to the mounting bracket. The pyrotechnic actuator may also be arranged with respect to a releasable connector to drive it for disconnection from the retainer brackets to permit the retainer brackets, the at least one pivot pin and the proximal end of the pedal arm to move rearwardly.