Retractable Vehicle Pedal Arm With Dual Locking Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous driving vehicles, the need for increased leg and foot space due to reduced manual control requirements is not adequately addressed by existing pedal systems, which often do not provide sufficient flexibility or comfort for drivers.
Innovation Solution
A pedal system with a pivotable pedal arm, supported by a shaft and featuring two distinct locking units – one for retraction in autonomous mode and another for deployment in manual mode – allows for adjustable positioning based on driving mode, ensuring flexibility and safety while maximizing foot space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pedal arm is fixed in a deployed position for manual driving, then the driver can operate the pedals, but the foot space is reduced and comfort is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal arm is designed to be dynamically repositionable between a deployed position (for manual driving) and a retracted position (for autonomous driving). The support member enables this dynamic adjustment, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the driving mode, thus resolving the contradiction between needing pedal operability and maximizing foot space.
2Area of stationary object
If the pedal arm is retracted to increase foot space, then comfort is improved, but the driver cannot manually operate the pedals
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic repositioning of the pedal arm between retracted and deployed positions based on driving mode. This allows the pedal arm to be retracted to maximize foot space during autonomous driving while remaining deployable when manual operation is needed, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and operational accessibility.
3Device complexity
If a single locking unit is used to control pedal arm position, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability is compromised due to inability to maintain different positions reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two distinct locking units: a first locking unit that secures the pedal arm in the retracted position and a second locking unit that secures it in the deployed position. This segmentation allows each locking unit to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring reliable position maintenance while keeping each individual locking unit relatively simple in design.
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal system for a vehicle, a vehicle including such a pedal system, a method for manufacturing such a pedal system and a method for operating such a pedal system. The pedal system includes a pedal arm, a support member, a first locking unit and a second locking unit. The pedal arm is arranged at the support member pivotably around the support member. The first locking unit is arranged at the support member and couplable with the pedal arm to move the pedal arm to a first position. The second locking unit is connected to the pedal arm to release the pedal arm to a second position. The first locking unit is different from the second locking unit.