Electronic control pedal position sensing device assembly method

Abstract

A position sensor for an electronic control pedal is carried by the pedal mounting bracket and includes a linear potentiometer having a slider operable along a substrate in only a linear direction for providing an output voltage representative of slider displacement. A drive arm is connected to the pedal shaft for rotation during pedal movement. A coupler connected to the slider is slidable within a slot in the drive arm for providing the linear displacement through a rotational movement of the shaft. The drive arm has an inner arm in a telescoping connection with an outer arm for setting the drive arm at a desired length after potentiometer calibration. The longitudinal axis of the slot is at an non-zero angle to the longitudinal axis of the drive arm for desensitizing the sensor calibration and adjustment process.

1 . A method for assembling a position sensor with an electronic control pedal, wherein the pedal is operable for rotating a shaft carried by a bracket, the method comprising: 
 providing a potentiometer having a slider member making an electrical contact with resistive tracks for providing an electrical output signal representative of a straight line displacement of the slider member;    providing a drive arm adjustable along a longitudinal axis thereof for setting a predetermined length thereto, the drive arm having a slot for slidably receiving a coupler therein;    connecting the shaft to the drive arm for rotation thereof;    coupling the drive arm with the slider member for providing a sliding movement of the slider member within the slot during a rotating of the drive arm;    positioning the slider member at a desired location within the slot; and    securing the first arm member to the second arm member.