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Automotive accelerator pedal with adaptive position kick-down detent

  • US 7,971,506 B2
  • Filed: 09/06/2007
  • Issued: 07/05/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/06/2007
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An adaptive position detent mechanism for use in a drive-by-wire throttle system, the drive-by-wire throttle system including an accelerator pedal and a control portion, the control portion determining a pedal position at which a transmission kick-down will occur, the mechanism comprising:

  • a housing defining an opening at an end of the housing facing the accelerator pedal;

    a plunger portion slidably movable within the housing opening so as to permit at least a head of the plunger to extend from the housing opening;

    a plunger driver configured to slidably move the plunger portion within the housing opening and to hold the plunger portion in any position relative to the housing opening;

    a controller for actuating the plunger driver to move and hold the plunger portion in a position that corresponds to the determined pedal position at which the transmission kick-down will occur; and

    a biasing member biasing the plunger portion in a direction opposite to a direction of pedal depression so as to resist pedal depression beyond said pedal position at which the transmission kick-down will occur.

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