In-Vehicle Accelerator System Performance Measurement Machine

There are four direct controls, which affect vehicle behavior: the accelerator pedal, steering wheel, brake pedal and the clutch pedal. Of the four, the accelerator pedal has the most direct influence on the acceleration response of the powertrain. It is the link between the customer's expectations and the powertrain's ability to deliver the expected acceleration.

Three main factors are used to evaluate the performance of the accelerator system: force needed to move the pedal, foot travel and foot scrub along the accelerator pedal surface. This paper discusses the design of a new machine, which will provide accurate measurements of the three accelerator system factors.