Variable Force Electronic Clutch Pedal Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic vehicle clutch pedals lacking mechanical linkage fail to provide the necessary force feedback for clutch engagement and disengagement, making them undesirable for drivers accustomed to mechanical systems.
Innovation Solution
A variable force electronic vehicle clutch pedal design featuring a housing, a rotatable pedal arm with a distal drum having surface segments of varying slopes, a pivotable force lever, and a compressible member, which together simulate the feel and force of mechanical clutch engagement and disengagement by generating a variable resistive force through the rotation of the pedal arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical clutch system with linkage is used, then force feedback and engagement feel are provided, but vehicle efficiency and driver comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical clutch linkage system with an electronic actuator system that uses electronic sensors and control mechanisms to simulate the force feedback of mechanical systems, thereby improving vehicle efficiency while maintaining the essential tactile feedback for driver control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary between the driver's pedal input and the clutch actuation mechanism, mediating the force feedback through electronic sensors and actuators to replicate mechanical engagement feel without direct mechanical linkage
2Productivity
If a fully electronic clutch pedal is used, then vehicle efficiency is improved, but force feedback and engagement feel are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements electronic feedback mechanisms including force sensors and position sensors that detect pedal movement and provide real-time electronic feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts actuator output to simulate the tactile engagement feel of mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the electronic actuator's output force parameters dynamically during clutch engagement and disengagement to replicate the characteristic force profile and engagement points of mechanical clutch systems, maintaining ease of operation with electronic efficiency
3Device complexity
If mechanical linkage is removed, then device complexity is reduced, but driver ability to feel engagement points is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical linkage components with electronic sensors and actuators that detect and communicate engagement points through electronic signals, reducing mechanical complexity while preserving the driver's ability to feel engagement points through simulated force feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electronic copy of the mechanical engagement feel characteristics by using sensors to detect engagement points and actuators to replicate the force profile, allowing drivers to perceive engagement points without direct mechanical linkage
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 effectively replicates the force feedback experience of mechanical clutch pedals, enhancing driver comfort and control by providing a variable resistive force that mimics the engagement and disengagement points, thus improving the overall driving experience.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible member having a first end abutted against the pedal arm and a second end abutted against a second end of the force lever, whereby the rotation of the pedal arm results in the pivoting of the force lever and the exertion of a force of varying magnitude on the pedal arm by the compressible member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic vehicle clutch pedal comprising a pedal housing and a pedal arm coupled to and rotatable relative to the housing and including a distal drum rotatable relative to the pedal housing and defining a contact surface including at plurality of surface segments with different slopes. A force lever is pivotable about the pedal housing and has a first end abutted against the contact surface on the drum of the pedal arm. A compressible member has a first end abutted against a lower surface of the pedal arm and a second end abutted against a second end of the force lever. The pedal arm is rotatable about the pedal housing to cause the pivoting of the force lever relative to the pedal housing and cause the first end of the compressible member to exert a variable force against the pedal arm.