Brake Pedal Position Sensing With a Coil-Spring Inductive Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing service brake pedal devices are complex in construction and require significant installation space, particularly in electro-pneumatic and electric braking systems.
Innovation Solution
The service brake pedal device incorporates a helical spring that functions both as a coil to generate a magnetic field and as a spring to support the plunger piston, eliminating the need for a separate coil component and reducing the number of parts, while using an inductive position detection device for contactless position sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate coil and spring components are used in the position detection device, then the magnetic field generation and mechanical support functions are fulfilled, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coil and spring components into a single integrated element. The helical spring is configured to serve dual purposes: providing mechanical support through its spring function while simultaneously generating the magnetic field required for inductive position detection through its coil structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate coil and spring components, reducing device complexity while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical spring is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both mechanical support and magnetic field generation. By making the spring electrically conductive and configuring it as an inductive coil, it universally serves both the mechanical function of supporting the plunger piston and the electromagnetic function of position detection, thereby reducing the total number of components required in the system.
2Reliability
If separate coil and spring components are used, then the required functions are achieved, but the installation space and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coil and spring into a single integrated helical spring structure. This combination significantly reduces the installation space required, as the separate coil winding and spring mounting space is eliminated. The integrated component occupies minimal space within the housing while maintaining both mechanical and electromagnetic functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical spring is designed to nest within the housing in a compact configuration. The spring's helical structure allows it to occupy minimal radial space while providing both mechanical support and magnetic field generation, effectively nesting multiple functions within a small volume.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a separate coil component is used, then the magnetic field is generated, but the number of parts and construction complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The helical spring is designed as a universal component that performs both mechanical support and magnetic field generation. By making the spring electrically conductive and configuring it as an inductive coil, it universally serves both the mechanical function of supporting the plunger piston and the electromagnetic function of position detection, thereby reducing the total number of components required in the system.
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 design simplifies the construction, reduces installation space, and weight, while maintaining effective position detection and actuation force characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a coil (5, 7) that generates a magnetic field in a magnetic field region
Implementation Method 2
the position sensor is arranged and configured in the magnetic field region such that a change in the position of the position sensor with respect to the magnetic field causes a change in the inductance of the coil
Implementation Method 3
a position detection device coil spring arrangement with at least one coil spring (5, 7) that exerts spring forces on the position sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an inductive position detection device (100) for contactlessly detecting a position of a position sensor (6), comprising at least the following: A position detection device housing (4), a coil which generates a magnetic field in a magnetic field area, a measurement and evaluation device (34) functionally coupled to the coil, an actuator (2) which can be moved relative to the position detection device housing (4) and can be used to change a position of the position sensor (6), wherein the position sensor (6) is arranged in the magnetic field area, and is designed, in such a manner that a change in the position of the position sensor (6) with respect to the magnetic field causes a change in the inductance of the coil, a position detection device helical spring arrangement (9) having at least one helical spring (5, 7) which exerts spring forces on the position sensor (6), wherein the measurement and evaluation device (34) has a function which is used to capture the change in the inductance of the coil and to determine the position of the position sensor (6) therefrom. The invention provides for the at least one helical spring (5, 7) to be designed and arranged so as to at least partially form the coil.