Brake Pedal Sensing Architecture With Redundant Angle and Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical brake pedal systems are costly and complex due to the need for dual systems (electronic and hydraulic or separate electronic systems) for secure braking, and they offer limited flexibility in simulating the pedal feel, which can't meet the diverse demands of different vehicle manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A brake pedal system that combines a first system for simulating pedal feel with a compressible elongated device, a second system for sensing pedal angle using a magnetic field sensing component, and a third system for sensing pedal force, all integrated into a single electronic system, allowing for double security and flexible pedal feel design without additional mechanical or hydraulic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual systems (electronic and hydraulic or separate electronic systems) are used for secure braking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backup sensing function into the same ECU as the main sensing system. The first sensor unit (main system) and second sensor unit (backup system) both communicate with the same ECU, eliminating the need for separate ECUs and reducing system complexity while maintaining dual-system reliability for secure braking
2Ease of operation
If pedal feel simulating systems with springs are used, then pedal feel is improved, but adaptability to different vehicle manufacturer demands is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable pedal feel characteristics through configurable parameters in the control algorithm. The ECU can dynamically adjust the pedal feel response based on stored characteristic curves, allowing adaptation to different vehicle manufacturer demands without changing the physical spring system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based control to vary pedal feel characteristics. Different pedal feel curves are defined by storing multiple sets of force-angle parameters in the ECU, allowing selection and adjustment of pedal feel characteristics to match different vehicle manufacturer requirements
3Reliability
If separate backup systems are implemented, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the main and backup sensing systems into a single ECU unit. Both sensor units share the same processing unit, memory, and communication interface, significantly reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining the safety benefits of having redundant sensing capabilities
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
This solution provides a cost-effective, secure electronic brake system with double security and extensive freedom in designing the pedal feel, using a single ECU and eliminating the need for separate backup systems, while ensuring reliable braking functionality even if one system fails.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic field sensing component is arranged in the first or in the second part, and a magnetic element arranged in that part of the first or the second part that does not comprise the magnetic field sensing component
Implementation Method 2
a compressible first elongated device for dampening a pivotal movement of the pedal arm around the pivot point, wherein the first elongated device has a longitudinal extension between a first end part coupled to the pedal arm
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Disclosed is a brake pedal system (1) for a motor vehicle. The system comprises a bracket (20), a pedal arm (10) pivotally coupled to the bracket (20) at a pivot point (15), and a first, second and third systems (35, 45, 55). The first system (35) is arranged for simulating a pedal feel, the second system (45) for sensing a pedal angle to electronically control a braking force by sending a first signal to a vehicle ECU and the third system (55) is arranged for sensing at least a pedal force to electronically control a braking force by sending a second signal to a vehicle ECU. The second or the third system (45, 55) may be used as a master system for the braking control and the other as a slave, for achieving double security, and the first system (35) together with the third system (55) may be used to define the pedal feel.