GM has filed a patent application for an adjustable pedal system that can accommodate drivers with limited mobility. The application was assigned patent number US 12,157,367 B1 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and was published on December 3rd, 2024. The GM patent filing was originally submitted on June 23rd, 2023, and lists several South Korean engineers as the inventors, including Eunchan Song, Jeongmo Yang, and Seongsu Kim.
The patent application describes an adjustable pedal system designed to improve driving convenience, especially for individuals with limited mobility in their right leg. The system includes a brake pedal assembly and an accelerator pedal assembly that can be easily adjusted to accommodate different driving positions and preferences.
The brake pedal assembly consists of a dual lever with an upper pivot mount and a pair of lower mount positions. A pedal arm can be mounted to either of the lower positions, thus making it more adaptable and potentially usable by either the driver’s left foot or right foot.
Meanwhile, the accelerator pedal assembly uses an upper lever arm connected to an intermediate link and a pedal arm, with adjustable pivot joints that allow more precise positioning. This flexibility makes it possible to modify the pedal positions without requiring special tools or modifications.
What sets this system apart from traditional setups is its ability to provide two distinct positions for both pedals: a “normal” configuration for right-footed driving, and a left-foot-friendly configuration for drivers with impaired mobility. Current systems often require the installation of auxiliary devices, which can be inconvenient and cumbersome. This new design eliminates the need for additional equipment by enabling quick adjustments directly on the pedals. The system also includes features such as gear segments that facilitate smooth adjustments and ensure stable positioning during operation.
In addition to accommodating drivers with a disability, this system also allows drivers with an injury to their right foot or leg to continue to operate a vehicle by using their left foot and leg. Additionally, it offers a practical solution for individuals who share vehicles with different driving preferences or requirements.
Comments
I guess, the old one was too reliable and didn’t have enough parts.
I have transmission technology, called/abreviated RTS -TRANSMISSION, I have been researching, designing & working on it over the past nearly 4 years,
it eliminates all weaknesses in conventional transmissions currently in the market, it’s prototype work perfectly, GM should contact me so we can make a deal,