Variable Pedal Effort via Electromagnetic Coil Springs

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional accelerator pedal apparatuses with variable pedal effects are noisy, complex, and costly due to their reliance on motors and gears, with long response times that hinder prompt pedal effect variations during emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

An accelerator pedal apparatus utilizing coil springs with conductors that generate a magnetic field when current is applied, reducing noise and complexity by eliminating the need for motors and gears, and allowing for adjustable pedal effects through a controller that manages current direction and intensity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If motors and gears are used to vary pedal effect, then pedal effect can be varied, but noise increases, device complexity increases, and response time becomes too long for emergency situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedal effect variationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system (motors and gears) with an electromagnetic system. Conductors are coupled to the coil springs to generate magnetic fields when current is applied, enabling pedal effect variation through electromagnetic forces rather than mechanical transmission, thereby reducing noise and complexity while improving response time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the coil springs by applying current to generate magnetic fields. By controlling the intensity and direction of current supplied to the conductors, the magnetic field strength changes, which directly varies the pedal effect without requiring mechanical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If motors and gears are used to vary pedal effect, then pedal effect can be varied, but noise increases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedal effect variationVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical friction and gear engagement by using electromagnetic fields to control the coil springs. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic systems inherently reduces noise generation while maintaining the ability to vary pedal effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If motors and gears are used to vary pedal effect, then pedal effect can be varied, but response time becomes too long for emergency situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedal effect variationVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces slow mechanical actuation with rapid electromagnetic response. When current is applied to the conductors, the magnetic field is generated instantaneously, allowing the coil springs to adjust the pedal effect immediately, which is critical for emergency situations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductors are pre-coupled to the coil springs in position, so that when current is applied during an emergency, the magnetic field generation and pedal effect variation occur without any mechanical preparation or engagement time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 significantly reduces noise and costs while enabling prompt pedal effect variations, even in emergency situations, by using coil springs to generate a magnetic field and control pedal arm rotation with a reduced number of parts.

Implementation Method 1

a coil spring to which a conductor is coupled to generate a magnetic field when a current is applied to the conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9557762B2Accelerator pedal apparatus with variable pedal effort

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An accelerator pedal apparatus with a variable pedal effect may include an intermediate bush installed to be moved along an interior space of a pedal housing, a pair of first conductors fixedly installed on one surface of the intermediate bush and a spring plate facing the one surface of the intermediate bush, respectively, a first coil spring installed such that opposite ends of the first coil spring are supported by the first conductors and a third conductor is integrally coupled substantially over an entire surface of the first coil spring, a pair of second conductors fixedly installed on the other surface of the intermediate bush and an end of the interior space of the pedal housing facing the other surface of the intermediate bush, a second coil spring installed such that opposite ends of the second coil spring are supported by the second conductors and a fourth conductor is integrally coupled substantially over an entire surface of the second coil spring, and a controller for controlling supply of a current to the first conductors, a current to the second conductors, directions of the currents, and intensities of the currents.