Forces applied to a spring-loaded gas pedal

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In summary, the forces applied to a spring-loaded gas pedal include the force exerted by the driver’s foot pressing down on the pedal, which compresses the spring mechanism. This compression generates a counteracting force from the spring that seeks to return the pedal to its resting position. Additionally, the interaction between these forces influences the pedal's responsiveness and the vehicle's acceleration, while factors such as friction and the weight of the pedal assembly also play a role in its overall operation.
  • #1
Theexploer
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TL;DR Summary: An accelerator pedal is located steadily on our line at point O, the spring AB is perpendicular to the accelerator pedal, keeping it balanced at an angle of 45 degrees. a = 45* the weight of the accelerator pedal is 10N and it is loaded on G. OG = 10 cm OB = 15 cm.
Question = Calculate the intensity of the force T applies to the accelerator pedal.
Question = Determine the direction, side, and density of R from point O.

For the firtst question i did like that =
As the pedal is in balance the sum of the moment of
external forces are zero
M(P)+M(T)+M(R)=0
M(R)=0 because it meets the axis of rotation
So M(P)+M(T)=0
If we choose a positive direction towards P
M(P)=P.dp or dp = OG.cosalpha=OGcos45°
M(T)=-T.OB
T=OGxcos45°xP/OB=10x10xcos45°/15
T=4.7N

But i'm not sure sor i can't do the second one.
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  • #2
Hello @Theexploer ,
:welcome: ##\qquad## !​

So this is a ##G## ,
1707945734347.png
right ? :wink:

But who is ##T## ? And ##P## ?

And did you render the complete problem statement ?

##\ ##
 
  • #3
Yes, it's a G wich is the point of gravity, T is the tension and P is the Gas Pedal wich have a mass of 10N.

so i rendered the complete problem statement.
 
  • #4
Theexploer said:
T=OGxcos45°xP/OB=10x10xcos45°/15
Let me asssume this translates as follows:
## OG## is a given distance, 0.1 m
x is 'multiply'
##P## is not the gas pedal but the weight of the gas pedal, 10 N

Theexploer said:
we choose a positive direction towards P
Does that mean ##P## = +10 N ? (i.e. down is positive) ?


##OG \cos 45^\circ## is the perpendicular distance of ##P## wrt ##O##
The 45 degrees is the angle AOB (not the other one, BAO)

##OG \cos 45^\circ P## is the torque you call M(P)
it's acting in clockwise direction (which you consider positive, right ?)

and M(T) is the torque the spring exerts. It's acting in counter-clockwise direction (so ##T## is pointing up?)
It is pointing perpendicular to OB, so the torque is ##M(T) = -T \ \text{OB}##

And the torque balance ##M(P)+M(T)=0## yields ##T= OG \cos 45^\circ P/ \text{OB}##

In a more conventional notation (torque as a vector and with y+ = up):

1707956983913.png


##\vec \tau_\text {left} +\vec \tau_\text {right} = 0 \Rightarrow ## ## \vec{\text {OG}} \times \vec mg ## ##+ \vec {\text {OB}} \times \vec T = 0 \Rightarrow## ## |OG|\, mg\sin\theta_1+ |OB|\, T\sin\theta_2 =0 ##
[edit] fixed typo
And I confess I have no idea what is asked in part 2. 'Density of ##R##' ? R doesn't occur in the story ...

##\ ##
 
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  • #5
Theexploer said:
T=4.7N
Looks right.
But I don't understand the second question either. Is it a translation? Is R defined anywhere?
 
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  • #6
I think R is the reaction force acting on the pedal at the pivot O. They want the magnitude ("density"?) and direction of this force. I don't have any idea what "side" of R means. The wording does appear to be a translation.
 
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  • #7
TSny said:
I don't have any idea what "side" of R means.
Maybe "direction, side, and density" means angle to the horizontal, to the left or to the right, and magnitude.
 
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  • #8
BvU said:
Let me asssume this translates as follows:
## OG## is a given distance, 0.1 m
x is 'multiply'
##P## is not the gas pedal but the weight of the gas pedal, 10 N


Does that mean ##P## = +10 N ? (i.e. down is positive) ?


##OG \cos 45^\circ## is the perpendicular distance of ##P## wrt ##O##
The 45 degrees is the angle AOB (not the other one, BAO)

##OG \cos 45^\circ P## is the torque you call M(P)
it's acting in clockwise direction (which you consider positive, right ?)

and M(T) is the torque the spring exerts. It's acting in counter-clockwise direction (so ##T## is pointing up?)
It is pointing perpendicular to OB, so the torque is ##M(T) = -T \ \text{OB}##

And the torque balance ##M(P)+M(T)=0## yields ##T= OG \cos 45^\circ P/ \text{OB}##

In a more conventional notation (torque as a vector and with y+ = up):

View attachment 340350

##\vec \tau_\text {left} +\vec \tau_\text {right} = 0 \Rightarrow ## ## \vec{\text {OG}} \times \vec mg ## ##+ \vec {\text {OG}} \times \vec T = 0 \Rightarrow## ## |OG|\, mg\sin\theta_1+ |OB|\, T\sin\theta_2 =0 ##

And I confess I have no idea what is asked in part 2. 'Density of ##R##' ? R doesn't occur in the story ...

##\ ##
Thanks for your help
 
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FAQ: Forces applied to a spring-loaded gas pedal

How does a spring-loaded gas pedal work?

A spring-loaded gas pedal works by using a spring mechanism to return the pedal to its default position when no force is applied. When the driver presses down on the pedal, the spring compresses, allowing the throttle to open and increase the engine's power. Once the pressure is released, the spring expands back to its original state, causing the pedal to return to its resting position and the throttle to close.

What types of forces are involved in a spring-loaded gas pedal?

The primary forces involved in a spring-loaded gas pedal are the applied force from the driver's foot, the resistive force from the spring, and the frictional forces within the pedal mechanism. The applied force compresses the spring, and the spring's resistive force works to return the pedal to its initial position. Frictional forces can affect the smoothness and responsiveness of the pedal's movement.

How do you calculate the force needed to compress the spring in a gas pedal?

The force needed to compress the spring in a gas pedal can be calculated using Hooke's Law, which states that the force (F) required to compress or extend a spring is directly proportional to the displacement (x) of the spring from its equilibrium position. The formula is F = kx, where k is the spring constant, a measure of the spring's stiffness. By knowing the spring constant and the desired displacement, you can determine the necessary force.

What factors affect the stiffness of the spring in a gas pedal?

The stiffness of the spring in a gas pedal is affected by several factors, including the material of the spring, its coil diameter, wire diameter, and the number of coils. The spring constant (k) is a measure of this stiffness, and it increases with stiffer materials, larger wire diameters, and fewer coils. The design and manufacturing process also play a crucial role in determining the spring's stiffness.

Why is it important to have a properly calibrated spring in a gas pedal?

A properly calibrated spring in a gas pedal is crucial for ensuring the correct balance between responsiveness and control. If the spring is too stiff, it may require excessive force to press the pedal, leading to driver fatigue and reduced control. Conversely, if the spring is too soft, the pedal may be overly sensitive, causing abrupt acceleration and potential safety issues. Proper calibration ensures a smooth and predictable driving experience, enhancing both comfort and safety.

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