DESC:AN ACTUATION SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN VEHICLES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to accelerator extension systems in a vehicle and more particularly, to an actuation system to control accelerator pedal in vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In current automobiles like cars, trucks and buses, the driver is seated in front of a steering and uses the right foot for operating an acceleration pedal. When doing so, the foot is placed at an angle to the vehicle floor with the heel resting on the floor and the toes touching the accelerator pedal. During the continuous acceleration of the vehicle on long drives, the driver experiences fatigue in the right leg as the foot must be placed in an uncomfortable angle for a long time.

The current solution for this problem is the electronically assisted acceleration regulators usually referred to as cruise control systems. The cruise control systems are usually addressed in high end vehicles and such a feature is usually not available in commercial vehicles and trucks due to high cost of implementation. But commercial vehicles and trucks are used most often on highways due to the commercial factor. The cruise control systems have following disadvantages:
1. They are electronically driven system with a lot of parts involved such as sensors, coded Electronic Engine Management System (EEMS), switches and wiring connections.
2. Cost of implementation is high. Hence, provided only in high end variants.
3. It does not provide minute dynamic changes in speed. Only increments or decrements of 10kmph are available.
4. The driver is disconnected from the regular vehicle acceleration process, which could delay the response time in an emergency.

Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a cost effective and an ergonomically comfortable slider accelerator pedal which in turn operates the conventional acceleration pedal to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a cost effective and ergonomically comfortable slider accelerator pedal which in turn operates a conventional acceleration pedal.

Another object of the present invention to enable the driver to manipulate the speed of the vehicle always just like a conventional accelerator but without the fatigue associated with long use of the conventional accelerator.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic control of accelerator to the driver at all times as opposed to the fixed or Electronic Engine Management System (EEMS) regulated speed control of the cruise control system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that does not require the driver to be disconnected from a regular vehicle acceleration process which could delay the response time in an emergency and may reduce factor of safety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides an actuation system for controlling accelerator pedal in vehicles. The actuation system comprises a slider assembly and a mechanical lock arrangement.

The slider assembly is horizontally mounted on a floor of the vehicle between a conventional accelerator pedal and a driver’s seat. The slider assembly comprises a mechanical linkage/accelerator attachment, a roller, a slider pedal and a floor mounted base.

The mechanical linkage/accelerator attachment is configured to couple the slider assembly to the conventional accelerator pedal of the vehicle. The mechanical linkage/accelerator attachment is fixed to the roller at one end thereof. The roller slides up and down the accelerator attachment causing the movement of the conventional accelerator pedal. The slider pedal is fixed to another end of the mechanical linkage/accelerator attachment. The slider pedal is fixed on a top of two axles with rollers configured on edges thereof. The floor mounted base guides the slider pedal thereby facilitating only linear movement of the slider pedal independent of an angle of a foot placement.

The mechanical lock arrangement includes a metal cable and a swiveling pin lock. The metal cable is fixed on a platform with a clamp at one end thereof and attached to a parking brake with an adjustable clamping attachment on another end thereof. The parking brake is engaged the mechanical lock arrangement holds the slider pedal in place thereby preventing movement of the slider pedal. The swiveling pin lock is coupled to the slider assembly at one end and to the metal cable at another end thereof.

When the driver places a right foot flat on the slider pedal, the slider pedal pushes the mechanical linkage causing the roller to move a flat plate mounted to the conventional accelerator pedal resulting in translation of a linear movement of the slider pedal to a vertical movement of the roller on the flat plate by moving the conventional pedal inwards thereby increasing the acceleration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in accordance with the accompanying drawings wherein,
Figure 1 shows an actuation system to control an accelerator pedal in vehicles, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a slider assembly, in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 3 shows a mechanical lock arrangement, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment.

The present invention provides a cost effective and ergonomically comfortable slider accelerator pedal which in turn operates a conventional acceleration pedal. The actuation system to control the accelerator pedal in a vehicle enables the driver to manipulate the speed of the vehicle always just like a conventional accelerator but without the fatigue associated with long use of the conventional accelerator.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description and in the table below.

Part no. Part name
100 Actuation system
20 Conventional pedal
10 Flat plate
31 Roller
32 Mechanical linkage/ Accelerator Attachment
50 Slider assembly
51 Slider pedal
52 Floor mounted base
40 Mechanical lock arrangement
41 Adjustable clamping arrangement
42 Metal cable
43 Clamp
44 Swiveling pin lock

Referring to figures 1 to 3, an actuation system (100) for controlling an accelerator pedal in vehicles in accordance with the present invention is shown. The actuation system (100) comprises a slider assembly (50) and a mechanical lock arrangement (40).

The slider assembly (50) is horizontally mounted on a floor of the vehicle between a conventional accelerator pedal (20) and a driver’s seat. The conventional accelerator pedal (20) includes a flat plate (10) mounted thereon.
The slider assembly (50) includes a roller (31), a mechanical linkage/accelerator attachment (32), a slider pedal (51) and a floor mounted base (52).

The mechanical linkage/accelerator attachment (32) is configured to couple the slider assembly (50) to the existing conventional pedal (20) of the vehicle. The mechanical linkage/accelerator attachment (32) is fixed to the roller (31) at one end and to the slider pedal (51) at another end thereof. The slider pedal (51) is guided by the floor mounted base (52). The slider pedal (51) is fixed on a top of two axles (not numbered) with rollers (not shown) configured on edges thereof thereby reducing the effort of operation. The roller (31) slides up and down the accelerator attachment (32) causing the movement of the conventional pedal (20) when the slider pedal (51) is moved. To evade unwanted movement of the slider (51) when the vehicle is at standstill, the actuation system (100) is further provided with the mechanical lock arrangement (40).

The mechanical lock arrangement (40) is connected to the conventional pedal (20). The mechanical lock arrangement (40) includes a metal cable (42) and a swiveling pin lock (44).

The metal cable (42) is fixed on a platform (not numbered) with a clamp (43) at one end thereof. Another end of the metal cable (42) is attached to a parking brake (not numbered) with an adjustable clamping attachment (41). The swiveling pin lock (44) is coupled to the slider assembly (50) at one end and to the metal cable (42) at another end thereof. When the parking brake is engaged, the mechanical lock arrangement (40) holds the slider pedal (51) in place and prevents movement. When the parking brake is released, the slider pedal (51) is freed and can be moved as per requirement.

Again referring to figures 1-3, in an operation, the actuation system (100) is operated by placing a right foot flat on the slider pedal (51). The roller mounted slider pedal (51) is guided by the floor mounted base (52) facilitating only linear movement of the slider pedal (51) independent of the angle of foot placement. This allows the driver to move the slider pedal (51) front and back. The slider pedal (51) pushes the mechanical linkage (32) with the roller (31) attached at one end. The roller (31) moves the flat plate (10) mounted to the conventional pedal (20). The linear movement of the slider pedal (51) is translated to a vertical movement of the roller (31) on the flat plate (10) by moving the conventional pedal (20) inwards thereby increasing the acceleration.

When the foot is removed from the slider pedal (51), the spring action of the conventional pedal (20) pushes the slider assembly (50) to a rest position thereby bringing the acceleration to zero. As the slider pedal (51) is mounted on the rollers the effort of movement is low. The tactile feedback of the slider pedal (51) will be on par with the feedback from operating the conventional pedal (20). Thus, the driver can switch between the slider pedal (51) and the conventional pedal (20) conveniently. To prevent the accidental operation of the slider pedal (51) when the vehicle is at rest, the parking brake connected mechanical lock arrangement (40) is built into the floor mounted base (52). The slider pedal (51) movement is restricted when the parking brake is engaged with the help of the swiveling pin lock (44) mounted on the metal cable (42).

In accordance with the present invention the slider pedal (51) uses the direct mechanical linkage (32) to move the conventional pedal (20). However, it is understood here that other driving mechanisms like a pulley unit, a gear based rack and pinion mechanism, a sensor based feedback system, a multi-link mechanism or a pole magnet combination can be used to get the same output in other alternative embodiments of the actuation system (100).

In one embodiment, the pulley unit having a metal cable that connects the slider pedal (51) to a lever through a pulley to operate or manipulate the conventional pedal (20) is used.

In another embodiment, the gear based rack and pinion mechanism which has a sliding rack connected to the slider pedal (51) is used. In this one embodiment, a spring lever connected to a gear is assembled with the rack. This enables operation of the conventional pedal (20) by the slider pedal (51) and automatic retract when released.

In yet another embodiment, the sensor based feedback system is incorporated for tracking the displacement of the foot on the slider pedal (51) and to give a calibrated input to a motor which in turn operates or manipulates the conventional pedal (20).

In yet another embodiment, the multi-link mechanism is used to transmit the displacement force applied by the foot of the driver from the slider pedal (51) to the conventional pedal (20).

In another embodiment, same pole magnet combination with one magnet mounted on the conventional pedal (20) and another magnet mounted on the slider pedal (51) is used to manipulate and drive the conventional pedal (20).

In accordance with the present invention the mechanical lock arrangement (40) connected to the parking brake of the vehicle is used. However, it is understood here that other locking mechanisms like an operator or driver controlled safety lock, a mechanical lock driven by any electronically operated motor, an electronic switch controlled electromagnet, an engine control unit (ECU) driven locking system can be used to limit the movement of the slider pedal (51) in other alternative embodiments of the actuation system (100).

In one embodiment, the operator/driver controlled safety lock is provided which can be activated/deactivated based on the driver’s convenience.

In another embodiment, the mechanical lock driven by any electronically operated motor is used to limit the movement of the slider pedal (51).

In yet another embodiment, the electronic switch controlled electromagnet is used to lock/unlock the movement of the slider pedal (51).

In yet another embodiment, the engine control unit (ECU) driven locking system is used to automatically lock/unlock the slider pedal (51) for a specific range of speeds.

In accordance with the present invention the rollers to translate the slider pedal (51) with minimum effort is used. However, it is understood here that slider guiding mechanism like a slide rail guided pedal, a roller bearing mounted pedal, a slot guided pedal or a magnetic guide can be used in other alternative embodiments of the actuation system (100).

In one embodiment, the slide rail guided pedal is used. The floor slider pedal (51) is mounted on a guide rail to move the slider pedal (51) with minimum effort and to enable movement in only one direction independent of the angle of foot placement.

In another embodiment, the roller bearing mounted pedal is used wherein the slider pedal (51) movement effort is minimized by use of bearings.

In yet another embodiment, the slot guided pedal is used wherein the slider pedal (51) is fixed in a slotted guide on either side restricts the motion only along one axis.

In yet another embodiment, the magnetic guide is used to operate the slider pedal (51) and to minimize the effort by reducing contact between the conventional pedal (20) and the slider pedal (51).
The primary purpose of the actuation system (100) is to reduce driver fatigue due to constant acceleration on long drives. The actuation system (100) has high manufacturing feasibility. The current alternatives available in the market like cruise control rely on an ECU (engine control unit) to electronically manipulate the acceleration. The proposed slider assembly (50) can serve a similar purpose as cruise control i.e. acceleration fatigue reduction without any electronic circuit. Thus, it can be implemented in vehicles without an electronically supported acceleration regulation systems like commercial vehicles and trucks.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION:

1. The actuation system (100) provides a cost effective and ergonomically comfortable slider pedal (51) which in turn is driving the conventional accelerator pedal (20) directly instead of a sensor backed feedback circuit used in the cruise control system.
2. The actuation system (100) can be implemented in non-ECU driven acceleration systems which are used in most commercial vehicles, trucks and buses.
3. The actuation system (100) is useful at any speed based on the driver’s convenience which is in contrast with the cruise control system that can be activated only when the vehicle reaches a certain speed.
4. The actuation system (100) does not require the driver to be disconnected from the regular vehicle acceleration process which could delay the response time in an emergency and may reduce factor of safety.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. An actuation system (100) for controlling accelerator pedal in vehicles, the actuation system (100) comprising:
a slider assembly (50) horizontally mounted on a floor of the vehicle between a conventional accelerator pedal (20) and a driver’s seat, the slider assembly (50) having,
• a mechanical linkage/accelerator attachment (32) fixed to a roller (31) at one end thereof, the roller (31) capable of sliding up and down the accelerator attachment (32) causing the movement of the conventional accelerator pedal (20),
• a slider pedal (51) fixed to another end of the mechanical linkage/accelerator attachment (32), the slider pedal (51) being fixed on a top of two axles with rollers configured on edges thereof, and
• a floor mounted base (52) for guiding the slider pedal (51) facilitating only linear movement of the slider pedal (51) independent of an angle of a foot placement; and
a mechanical lock arrangement (40) having,
• a metal cable (42) fixed on a platform with a clamp (43) at one end thereof and attached to a parking brake with an adjustable clamping attachment (41) on another end thereof, and
• a swiveling pin lock (44) coupled to the slider assembly (50) at one end and to the metal cable (42) at another end thereof,
wherein, when the driver places a right foot flat on the slider pedal (51), the slider pedal (51) pushes the mechanical linkage (32) causing the roller (31) to move a flat plate (10) mounted to the conventional accelerator pedal (20) resulting in translation of a linear movement of the slider pedal (51) to a vertical movement of the roller (31) on the flat plate (10) by moving the conventional pedal (20) inwards thereby increasing the acceleration.

2. The actuation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanical linkage/accelerator attachment (32) is configured to couple the slider assembly (50) to the conventional accelerator pedal (20) of the vehicle.

3. The actuation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the parking brake is engaged the mechanical lock arrangement (40) holds the slider pedal (51) in place thereby preventing movement of the slider pedal (51).

Dated this 21st day of January, 2019
Prafulla Wange
(Agent of Applicant)
(IN/PA-2058)