Crash release arrangement and method for an automotive pedal mounting
US6951152B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 11, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20888
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An arrangement and method for releasing an automotive pedal in a crash includes mounting a pedal pivot pin by separable housing pieces fit to the pin to support the pedal for normal operation. One of the housing pieces is hinged to be able to swing away when disconnected from the other housing piece in a crash to release the pedal. The housing pieces are held together by locking clips gripping abutting upper portions of the housing pieces, the clips in turn held in position by a blocking portion of a retainer which is shifted in a crash to allow the clips to disengage. The surfaces gripped by the clips are sloped so that a reaction force on the pin creates a disengaging force on the clips to produce a very rapid release of the clips when the retainer is shifted in a crash. The retainer is located in its clip retention position by locating elements which are sheared off in a crash.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.