A Conceptual Design of the Concurrent Engineering Design System for Polymeric-Based Composite Automotive Pedals

Abstract

In this study, a study of conceptual design for the polymeric-based composite automotive pedal box system is presented. This study describes the importance of the concurrent engineering technique in the total design activity. Several idea generation methods like the extension of the search space, the morphological chart, the exploitation of experiences, the gallery method and the voice of customer had been employed. Extensive application of the morphological charts enabled designers to identify the sub-solutions to each sub-functions of the pedal box system. The evaluation matrix method was used to decide on the final concept for the mounting bracket arrangement. The final solution for the polymeric-based composite pedal box system was three pedals mounted onto a common mounting bracket. The clutch and the brake pedals were pivoted onto a common shaft and the accelerator pedal had its own shaft. All the methods used were finally compared and evaluated.