Brake-Force Simulator Elastomer Spring Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In brake systems with electrically controllable actuators, the direct mechanical/hydraulic coupling between the brake pedal and wheel brakes is interrupted, leading to a lack of feedback for the driver, making it difficult to operate the brake pedal sensitively.
Innovation Solution
A brake-force simulator with an elastomer element, such as ethylene propylene diene rubber or polyurethane, is used to provide haptic feedback, offering improved force-travel characteristics and cost-effective manufacturing, allowing for retroactive adaptation and maintaining feedback across temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a metallic helical spring is used as the spring element, then the counterpressure increases noticeably with piston travel distance providing haptic feedback, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic helical spring to elastomer material, fundamentally altering the physical properties while maintaining the spring function. This material substitution enables simpler manufacturing processes and lower costs while preserving the force-travel characteristic curve needed for haptic feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs elastomer material with specific compositional characteristics to create a spring element that combines the necessary elastic properties with manufacturing advantages. The elastomer composition allows for molded production rather than complex mechanical assembly required for metallic springs
2Ease of operation
If the spring element is designed with complex geometries to achieve desired elastic properties, then the haptic feedback improves, but the manufacturing effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of achieving desired elastic properties through complex geometric designs, the patent changes the material parameters by using elastomer with specific compositional characteristics. This allows simpler geometries to achieve the same functional performance, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining braking sensibility
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional spring element is replaced with an elastomer element, then the manufacturing becomes more cost-effective, but the force-travel characteristic curve may change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects and defines specific compositional parameters of the elastomer material to ensure that the force-travel characteristic curve matches the required performance specifications. By controlling material composition rather than geometry complexity, the patent achieves both cost-effectiveness and reliable force characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different compositional characteristics to different regions or aspects of the elastomer spring element to optimize both the force-travel characteristics and manufacturing properties. This localized optimization ensures reliable performance while maintaining manufacturing advantages
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The elastomer element enhances the driver's haptic feedback during braking, providing a more sensitive and cost-effective solution with improved force-travel characteristics, reducing the risk of jamming and allowing for efficient force transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (6) acting with a spring force counter to the movement of the piston (3) in one direction... the spring element takes the form of an elastomer element
Data Source
AI summary
A brake-force simulator for a motor vehicle includes a piston operatively connectible to an operable brake pedal that is guided in an axially displaceable manner in a cylinder; and at least one elastomer spring element situated in the cylinder, which acts with a spring force counter to the movement of the piston in one direction.