Adjustable Brake Pedal Emulator Assembly for Vehicle Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brake-by-wire (BBW) systems lack the adjustable brake pedal feel that drivers are accustomed to in traditional hydraulic braking systems, necessitating a solution to emulate and adjust the pedal resistance to meet driver preferences.
Innovation Solution
A brake pedal emulator assembly with a support structure, pivotally engaged brake pedal, and an adjustment mechanism that allows for adjustable displacement, simulating the feel of traditional brake systems by incorporating damping and force induction devices, and an electric motor for firmness adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a brake pedal emulator assembly is added to emulate traditional brake pedal feel in a BBW system, then the driver experience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a brake pedal emulator assembly as an intermediary component between the driver and the BBW system. This emulator includes a pedal arm pivotally connected to a support structure, with a plunger mechanism that provides mechanical resistance and feedback to the driver's foot, simulating traditional hydraulic brake pedal feel while the electronic control system handles the actual braking function
Solution Approach 2:
The brake pedal assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the pedal arm for driver input, the plunger mechanism for providing resistance and feedback, the support structure for mounting, and the electronic actuator for actual brake application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustment mechanism is incorporated to allow drivers to customize brake pedal firmness, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an adjustable plunger spring mechanism that allows the brake pedal firmness to be dynamically modified. The spring preload can be adjusted via an adjustment mechanism (such as a threaded rod or eccentric cam) that changes the initial compression of the spring, thereby altering the resistance felt by the driver without requiring complete disassembly or complex electronic controls
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism modifies the physical parameters of the plunger spring system, specifically the preload force and compression distance. By changing these mechanical parameters through simple adjustment means (such as rotating an adjustment bolt that moves the spring anchor point), the system provides multiple levels of brake pedal firmness to accommodate different driver preferences
Data Source
AI summary
A brake pedal assembly of a brake-by-wire system of a vehicle includes a support structure, a brake pedal pivotally engaged to the support structure at a first pivot axis, and a brake pedal emulator assembly. The brake pedal emulator assembly extends between and is pivotally engaged to the brake pedal and the support structure at respective second and third pivot axis. The brake pedal emulator assembly includes a brake pedal emulator and an adjustment mechanism aligned along a centerline intersecting the second and third pivot axis. The brake pedal emulator is constructed and arranged to displace axially when the brake pedal is actuated, and the adjustment mechanism is constructed and arranged to adjust axial displacement.