An organ-type pedal attached to the floor by a pivot has been developed to increase the comfort of accelerator pedals. The trace of the new pedal is in the same phase as the motion of the sole of the human foot.Tests on a plastic hinge structure for the pivot was conducted. Results showed that polyester elastomer possessed superior fatigue resistance, and this was therefore selected as the hinge material. Newly developed thin hinge has enabled the new pedal to equal conventional pedal structures in strength and durability. The hinge section was immersed in oil, grease and other chemical agents to test durability, and results showed no change in physical properties.The connection of the pedal to the floor was also altered. The flexibility of the material has enabled snap-fit assembly, and the connection is sufficiently strong to resist an extraction load of over 900N.
Article of Honda R&D Technical Review Vol.15 No.2 (189 - 194)