The actuator is a servomechanism, which controls the return Force by the mean of a
controlled position.
Building principle
Operation
Control of the return force is performed by a triangulation system
(4,5,6) subjected to the large initial tensile force of a spring (2).
The return force (F) exerted by the lever on the pedal is controlled by
the position of the spring anchorage point (5), as a function of the speed difference.
When point (5) is superposed on the axis (4) the return force is zero. It progressively
increases when point (5) moves from (4) according the control of the ECU. The geometry of
the mechanism and the large initial tensile force of the spring result in the fact that
the return force is only little dependent on the pedal movements : the force under the
driver's foot is thus permanently controlled, soft and perfectly resilient, without
localized hardeness. The behaviour characteristics have been adapted for greater comfort :
the software controls the progressiveness with which the force increases or decreases and
it can release quickly the force in particular situations.
Advantages of the principle
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