Variable-Position Pedal Link Arm for Force Curve Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedal feel simulating systems for electrical pedal devices in vehicles fail to replicate the natural feel of mechanical pedals, leading to an unpleasant and strenuous driving experience due to constantly increasing pedal force and requiring specific lever arm contours.
Innovation Solution
A pedal feel simulating system comprising a bracket device, a pivotally arranged pedal arm, a link arm, and a spring device with a variable position of interconnection, where the pedal arm acts on the link arm to create a torque and compress the spring, resulting in an increasing pedal force that transitions from a high to a lower rate, mimicking the feel of a mechanical pedal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spring is used to generate counter force on the pedal, then a restoring force is provided, but the pedal force constantly increases at a high rate making the driver feel strenuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection point between the pedal arm and link arm movable along the link arm rather than fixed. This allows the mechanical advantage ratio to change dynamically during pedal depression, creating a progressive pedal force curve that starts steep and becomes gentler, mimicking natural mechanical pedal behavior and reducing driver strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of connection position along the link arm during operation. By allowing the connection point to move from one position to another as the pedal is depressed, the system varies the mechanical advantage, transforming the force characteristics from a constant high rate of increase to a more gradual increase that matches driver expectations.
2Force
If a specific contour of the lever arm is shaped to create a specific pedal force curve, then the desired force profile is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force generation function by separating the pedal arm from the link arm with a movable connection. Instead of requiring the pedal arm itself to have a complex contoured shape, the system uses the relative movement between two simpler components to achieve the desired force curve, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The link arm serves as an intermediary element between the pedal arm and the fixed pivot point. By introducing this intermediate component with a movable connection, the system achieves complex force characteristics without requiring the main pedal arm to have a complicated contour, thus reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 system provides a more comfortable driving experience by simulating the pedal force curve of mechanical pedals, allowing for multiple force curves and reducing driver fatigue, while maintaining a simple design.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device (8), wherein the pedal arm (2) is mechanically interconnected to the link arm (6) at a variable position p on the link arm (6)... whereby the first spring device (8) is caused to rotate and being compressed simultaneously with the rotation of the link arm (6)
Implementation Method 2
the pedal arm (2) is adapted to act on the link arm (6) at the variable position p, creating a torque around the pivot point (6b') causing the link arm (6) to rotate
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A pedal fee! simulating system (1) for a pedal device (10) comprising: a bracket device (5), a pedal arm (2), a link arm (6) pivotally arranged to the bracket device (5) at a pivot point (6b'), a spring device (8), wherein the pedal arm (2) is mechanically interconnected to the link arm (6) at a variable position (p) on the link arm (6), wherein during the pivoting of the pedal arm (2) from a first position towards a second position, the pedal arm (2) is adapted to act on the link arm (6) at the variable position (p), creating a torque around a pivot point (6b') causing the link arm (6) to rotate, wherein the position (p) on the link arm changes during pivoting of the pedal arm (2), whereby the first spring device (8) is caused to rotate and being compressed simultaneously with the rotation of the link arm (6), whereby an increasing pedal force is generated counteracting the pivoting of the pedal arm (2) from the first position towards the second position.