Methodology for Objective Assessment of Accelerator Pedals

The present paper aims to analyze some physical characteristics of accelerator pedals, in order to determine a proper range of load, stroke and mechanical effort of a pedal against a competitive set of vehicles. It was elaborated a methodology to measure load and stroke through a linear transducer and a load cell. During the benchmarking, it was perceived that the pedal of an internal vehicle of FCA group had a stroke 25% bigger than the competitor with the biggest stroke in the same segment of the Brazilian market. A big stroke can be prejudicial, specially for in-gear acceleration maneuvers, for example. It was perceived that the mechanical work involved in the accelerator pedal press and release was as important as the load and stroke itself, especially for displacements until 30%. During experimental test performed with 10 drivers and a total of 20 thousand kilometers the average usage of the accelerator pedal in an urban environment was 25% and in highway was 30% of its total stroke. A new accelerator pedal was build with a lower stroke and a proper pedal work distribution, proving to be more competitive in the market.