Claims:1. A pedal arrester mechanism (25) for a vehicle, comprising:
a housing member (1) connected to a firewall (11) of the vehicle;
a pinion member (2) configured within the housing member (1), wherein a resilient member (3) is configured to the pinion member (2) to rotate the pinion member (2) due to resilient forces of the resilient member (3);
a bobbin member (4) fixed to a pinion member (2), wherein the bobbin member (4) rotates with the pinion member (2);
at least one string (5), wherein a first end (X) of the at least one string (5) is secured to the bobbin member (4) and a second end (Y) of the at least one string (5) is secured to at least one pedal element (6) such that,
the at least one string (5) is reeled in by the bobbin member (4), on operation of the at least one pedal element (6) from a first position (A) to a second position (B); and
a locking mechanism (50) comprising:
a pin lever (7) pivotally coupled to the housing member (1);
an orb element (8) configured to the pin lever (7) such that,
the pin lever (7) engages the pinion member (2) upon displacement of the orb element (8) from an initial position (IP) to a locking position (LP) when an impact force of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined linear displacement threshold to arrest movement of the at least one pedal element (6) at the second position (B).

2. The mechanism (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing member (1) is positioned proximal to at least one pedal element (6) of the vehicle.

3. The mechanism (25) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one string (5) is reeled on to the bobbin member (4) during operation of the at least one pedal element (6) from the first position (A) to the second position (B).

4. The mechanism (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one end of the resilient member (3) is connected to a connector shaft (9).

5. The mechanism (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pedal element (6) at the first position (A) draws the at least one string (5) from the bobbin member (4).

6. The mechanism (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at the second position (B) of the at least one pedal element (6), the bobbin member (4) reels the at least one string (5).

7. The mechanism (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the orb element (8) is positioned on a guide ways (10) provisioned in the housing member (1) for linear displacement.

8. The mechanism (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the impact force required to exceed the predetermined linear displacement threshold of the orb element (8) is in the range of about 20 G-forces to about 65 G-forces.

9. The mechanism (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linear displacement of the orb element (8) is based on inertial force experienced due to impact force exceeding the predetermined threshold.

10. A vehicle comprising a pedal arrester mechanism (25) as claimed in claim 1. , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure, in general, relates to automobile engineering. Particularly, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to a safety mechanism for a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the disclosure, discloses a mechanism for arresting pedals in a cabin compartment for inhibiting intrusion of the pedals during collision.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Generally, vehicles are provisioned with an engine to assist in easy propulsion. Further, to control and regulate speed of the vehicle, one or more actuation mechanisms are provisioned to a user. The one or more actuation mechanisms are, in general, operated by one or more pedals provisioned to the user. Conventionally, the one or more pedals are positioned either on firewall of the vehicle or beside the user such that, the one or more pedals are readily accessible to the user. Upon actuation or triggering of the one or more pedals, by the user, the one or more actuation mechanisms regulate speed of the vehicle, thereby, bringing the vehicle under control of the user.

Conventionally, when the vehicle undergoes an accident, particularly a frontal collision, or a sideway collision with an obstacle, the vehicle tends to absorb a severe impact load due to reaction forces exerted by an obstacle. In such scenarios, the vehicles are provisioned with safety equipment such as, but not limiting to, reinforced chassis long members, air-bags, retractable seatbelts, and the like. However, the conventional safety equipment protects or prevents damages to upper body portion of the user, while the lower body portion of the user may be vulnerable. The lower body portion such as limbs remain unprotected, as the components of the vehicle due to collision may intrude into the vehicle cabin.

Considering the above, in some of the conventional vehicles, an arrangement is provided which would restrict the components of the vehicle from intruding into the cabin. However, in the conventional vehicles, additional components are provisioned within the cabin to restrict intrusion from the engine compartments. This makes the cabin feel compact and in addition, compels the user to operate the vehicle with restrictive movements. In general, the vehicle components such as the brake pedal, accelerator pedal, or the clutch pedal, upon frontal collision, tend to intrude into the vehicle cabin. As the one or more pedals are configured to be operated by the lower body portion of the user, the one or more pedals exert extreme reaction forces, due to collision, on the lower body portion of the user. This may cause severe injuries to the lower body portion of the user, and also might cripple the user.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a system and a method as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the system and the method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a pedal arrester mechanism for a vehicle is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a housing member connected to a firewall of the vehicle. A pinion member is configured within the housing member, wherein a resilient member is connected to the pinion member to rotate the pinion member due to resilient forces of the resilient member. Further, a bobbin member is fixed to a pinion member, wherein the bobbin member rotates with the pinion member. At least one string having a first end is secured to the bobbin member and a second end of the at least one string is secured to at least one pedal element such that, the at least one string is reeled in by the bobbin member, on operation of the at least one pedal element from a first position to a second position. Additionally, a locking mechanism comprises a pin lever pivotally coupled to the housing member. An orb element is configured to the pin lever such that, the pin lever engages the pinion member upon displacement of the orb element from an initial position to a locking position when an impact force of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined linear displacement threshold to arrest movement of the at least one pedal element at the second position.

In an embodiment, the housing member is positioned proximal to at least one pedal element of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the at least one string is reeled on to the connector shaft during operation of the at least one pedal element from the first position to the second position.

In an embodiment, one end of the resilient member is connected to a connector shaft.

In an embodiment, the at least one pedal element at the first position draws the at least one string from the bobbin member.

In an embodiment, at the second position of the at least one pedal element, the bobbin member reels the at least one string.

In an embodiment, the orb element is positioned on a guide ways provisioned in the housing member for linear displacement.

In an embodiment, the impact force required to exceed the predetermined linear displacement threshold of the orb element is in the range of about 20 G-force to about 65 G-force.

In an embodiment, the linear displacement of the orb element is based on inertial force experienced due to impact force exceeding the predetermined threshold.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a pedal arrester mechanism and an at least one pedal element at first position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the pedal arrester mechanism and a locking mechanism, in accordance with Figure 1.

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the pedal arrester mechanism and an at least one pedal element at second position, connected by at least one string, in accordance to some embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the pedal arrester mechanism and a locking mechanism, in accordance with Figure 3.

Figure 5 illustrates an alternate locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or mechanism.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a pedal arrester mechanism for a vehicle. The mechanism comprises a housing member connected to a firewall of the vehicle. A pinion member is configured within the housing member, wherein a resilient member is connected to the pinion member to rotate the pinion member due to resilient forces of the resilient member. Further, a bobbin member is fixed to a pinion member, wherein the bobbin member rotates with the pinion member. At least one string having a first end is secured to the bobbin member and a second end of the at least one string is secured to at least one pedal element such that, the at least one string is reeled in by the bobbin member, on operation of the at least one pedal element from a first position to a second position.

Further, a locking mechanism comprises a pin lever pivotally coupled to the housing member. An orb element is configured to the pin lever such that, the pin lever engages the pinion member upon displacement of the orb element from an initial position to a locking position when an impact force of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined linear displacement threshold to arrest movement of the at least one pedal element at the second position.

The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the vehicle is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the mechanism as disclosed in the present disclosure can be used in any vehicle including but not liming to passenger car, heavy vehicles, light duty vehicles or any other vehicle where pedals are used.

Referring to Figure 1 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a side view of a pedal arrester mechanism (25) connected to a firewall (11) of a vehicle. The firewall (11) compartmentalizes an engine compartment of the vehicle from a user cabin. The firewall (11) is also provisioned to house at least one pedal element (6) in the user cabin. The at least one pedal element (6) is selectively operable by the user, for regulating various parameters of the vehicle. It should be noted that, the at least one pedal element (6) may be operable between a first position (A) and a second position (B) [as best seen in Figure 3], to enable the user to actuate and de-actuate the at least one pedal element (6).

Further referring to Figure 1, the pedal arrester mechanism (25) may be rigidly connected to the firewall (11), and may also be positioned proximal to the at least one pedal element (6). The pedal arrester mechanism (25) may be operatively coupled to the at least one pedal element (6) by at least one string (5). The at least one string member (5) may be subjected to tension, when the at least one pedal element (6) is at the first position (A).

Referring to Figure 2, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure that illustrates a sectional view of the pedal arrester mechanism (25). The pedal arrester mechanism (25) comprises a housing member (1), which is connected to the to the firewall (11) of the vehicle. The housing member (1) accommodates a pinion member (2) and the pinion member (2) may be rotatably disposed within the housing member (1). The pinion member (2) may be permitted to rotate about a fixed axis. The rotary movement of the pinion member (2) may be produced and regulated by a resilient member (3), connected to the pinion member (2). The pinion member (2) is then fixed to a bobbin member (4) in such a way that, a connector shaft (9) of the bobbin member (4) houses the resilient member (3) attached to the pinion member (2). It may be noted that, the connector shaft (9) of the bobbin member (4) acts as the fixed axis to the bobbin member (4) and the pinion member (2), for rotation. Further, a first end (X) of the at least one string (5) may be connected on to the bobbin member (4) such that, upon reel-in and reel-out of the at least one string (5), the resilient member (3) may be actuated or triggered to produce rotary movement to the bobbin member (4), and in turn the pinion member (2). A second end (Y) of the at least one string (5) may be connected to the at least one pedal element (6). Upon actuation of the at least one pedal element (6), the at least one string (5) may be reeled out and reeled in, based on displacement of the at least one pedal element (6) between the first position (A) and the second position (B) [as best seen in Figure 3]. It may be noted that, the at least one pedal element (6) at the first position (A) may not be actuated, while the at least one pedal element (6) at the second position (B) may be in actuated condition. The first position (A) and the second position (B) of the at least one pedal element (6) may be along a first axis (A-A) and a second axis (B-B).

Further referring to Figure 2, the pedal arrester mechanism (25) is provisioned with a locking mechanism (50), which includes a pin lever (7) pivotally coupled to the housing member (1). The pin lever (7) is positioned and fixed to the housing member (1) such that, a pin portion (12) of the pin lever (7) may be free to eccentrically pivot within the housing member (1). An orb element (8) may be positioned on a guide ways (10), and may be configured to be in-connection with the pin lever (7). The orb element (8) may displace along the guide ways (10), causing the pin portion (12) of the pin lever (7) to eccentrically pivot within the housing member (1) [as best seen in Figure 3].

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, which illustrates the pedal arrester mechanism (25) connected to the at least one pedal element (6), actuated to the second position (B). The at least one pedal element (6) is connected to the pedal arrester mechanism (25) may be operated, by the user, between the first position (A) and the second position (B). Upon operation of the at least one pedal element (6) from the first position (A) to the second position (B), the at least one string (5) connecting the at least one pedal element (6) and the pedal arrester mechanism (25) may be operatively reeled-in on to the bobbin member (4). Upon operation of the at least one pedal element (6) from the second position (B) to the first position (A), the at least one string (5) connecting the at least one pedal element (6) and the pedal arrester mechanism (25) may be operatively reeled-out of the bobbin member (4).

In an embodiment, when the at least one pedal element (6) is at the first position (A), then the at least one string (5) is configured to reel-out from the pedal arrester mechanism (25). The at least one string (5) extends through the housing member (1) and is then connected to the connector shaft (9) of the bobbin member (4) such that, the resilient member (3) in-connection with the bobbin member (4) is strained due to reel-out of the at least one string (5).

In an embodiment, when the at least one pedal element (6) is operated to the second position (B), tension on the at least one string (5) is reduced thereby, actuating the resilient member (3) to retract the at least one string (5) in to the pedal arrester mechanism (25). The at least one string (5) reels on to the bobbin member (4), until the at least one pedal element (6) reaches the second position (B).

The operation of the at least one pedal element (6) between the first position (A) and the second position (B) enables in selectively reeling of the at least one string (5) on to the bobbin member (4). The selective reeling of the at least one string (5) causes rotary movement to the bobbin member (4), and in-turn the pinion member (2). It may be noted that, during selective reeling of the at least one string (5) on to the connector shaft (9), the locking mechanism (50) of the pedal arrester mechanism (25) may be calibrated to be non-operative, unless the vehicle may experience an impact force which exceeds a predetermined linear displacement threshold of the orb element (8) in the locking mechanism (50). This enables the user to freely operate the at least one pedal element (6) between the first position (A) and the second position (B).

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, when the vehicle provisioned with the pedal arrester mechanism (25) inadvertently collides with an external obstacle [not shown in Figures], the user momentarily operates the at least one pedal element (6) to the second position (B). The at least one string (5) is instantaneously reeled-in on to the bobbin member (4). Upon collision, if the vehicle impact force exceeds the predetermined linear displacement threshold of the orb element (8) in the locking mechanism (50) then, due to inertial force imparted, the orb element (8) tends to displace from an initial position (IP). Due to displacement of the orb element (8) from the initial position (IP), the pin lever (7) in-connection with the orb element (8) may be eccentrically pivoted in the housing member (1). On eccentrically pivoting the pin lever (7), the pin portion (12) engages the pinion member (2). When the orb element (8) displaces along the guide ways (10) to reach a locking position (LP), the pin portion (12) locks the rotating pinion member (2). The locking of the rotating pinion member (2) ensures that the at least one string (5) is reeled-in on the bobbin member (4), thereby arresting the at least one pedal element (6) at the second position (B).

In an exemplary embodiment, the pin portion (12) engages with the pinion member (2) during an impact due to the displacement of the orb element (8). This results in restricting the rotary movement of the pinion member (2) and in-turn the bobbin member (4). Thus, reel-out of the at least one string (5) from the bobbin member (4) is stopped. So, movement the at least one pedal element (6) is restricted to within length of the at least one string (5) unwound from the bobbin member (4) during impact.

In some embodiment, the impact force required to exceed the predetermined linear displacement threshold of the orb element (8) may be in the range of about 20 G-forces to about 65 G-forces. It may be noted that, the predetermined linear displacement threshold of the orb element (8) may be calibrated to displace when the impact force is in the range of about 8 G-forces to about 20 G-forces. During normal operation, the vehicle may be subjected to normal G-forces in the range of about 1 G-forces to about 8 G-forces. The user may actuate the at least one pedal element (6) within the abovementioned G-force ranges during normal operation of the vehicle.

Referring to Figure 5, which illustrates an alternate embodiment of the locking mechanism (50). The orb element (8) of the locking mechanism (50), may be provisioned with a handle (H). The handle (H) of the orb element (8) is ensured to maintain contact with the pin lever (7) such that, upon collision of the vehicle, the orb element (8) pivots the handle (H) thereby, eccentrically displaces the pin lever (7) due to inertial force imparted. Due eccentric displacement of the pin lever (7), the pin portion (12) engages the pinion member (2) thereby, locking the pinion member (2) from rotating. Upon locking the pinion member (2), the at least one string (5) arrests the at least one pedal element (6) in the second position (B), thereby limiting movement of the at least one pedal element (6).

In some embodiment, G- force for displacement of the orb element (8) may be calibrated based on design and requirement of the pedal arrester mechanism (25) for locking the at least one pedal element (6) in the second position (B).

In some embodiment, upon deformation of the firewall (11) the at least one pedal element (6) may pivot towards the pedal arrester mechanism (25) or towards the vehicle cabin. In such a situation, the pedal arrester mechanism (25) reels-in or restricts the at least one string (5) thereby, preventing slack of the at least one string (5) and arresting the at least one pedal element (6) from movement.

In some embodiment, the pedal arrester mechanism (25) prevents slacking of the at least one string (5) due to the rotary movement imparted by the bobbin member (4) which reels-in the at least one string (5) upon slightest movement of the at least one pedal member (6).

In some embodiment, the housing member (1) may be connected to the firewall (11) by at least one of welding, soldering, brazing, fastening, and the like.

In some embodiment, the resilient member (3) may be at least one of a torsional spring, a plate spring, and the like.

In some embodiment, the at least one pedal element (6) may be at least one of a brake pedal, a clutch pedal and an acceleration pedal.

ADVANTAGES

The present disclosure discloses a pedal arrester mechanism to arrest movement of at least one pedal element in an actuated state so that, upon collision of the vehicle, the at least one pedal element may be inhibited from intruding onto a user’s leg.

The present disclosure discloses the pedal arrester mechanism in operation only when the vehicle is involved in a collision and prevent locking of the pedal member during normal operation of the vehicle.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERAL NUMERALS
Particulars Numeral
Housing member 1
Pinion member 2
Resilient member 3
Bobbin member 4
String 5
Pedal element 6
Pin lever 7
Orb element 8
Connector shaft 9
Guide ways 10
Firewall 11
Pin portion 12
Pedal arrester mechanism 25
Locking mechanism 50
First end of string X
Second end of string Y
First position of pedal element A
Second position of pedal element B
Handle H
Initial position of orb element IP
Locking position of orb element LP