Brake Pedal Spring Emulator With Redundant Position Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Brake-by-wire vehicle brake pedals lack the resistance feel of conventional vacuum or hydraulic braking systems, necessitating a solution to replicate this sensation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle brake pedal spring resistance emulator assembly with a housing, sliding sleeve, and multiple compressible springs that mimic the resistance feel of conventional braking systems, combined with inductive and Hall Effect sensors to detect pedal position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If brake-by-wire system is used, then vehicle control precision is improved, but braking resistance feel is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a mechanical copy of conventional braking system resistance characteristics using springs and dampers. The emulator assembly replicates the force-displacement curve of hydraulic braking systems, allowing the driver to feel realistic brake resistance while the brake-by-wire electronic control system maintains precise vehicle control. This copying approach preserves the tactile feedback of traditional systems while enabling modern electronic control benefits.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are added, then position sensing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function into multiple independent sensors (inductive sensor and Hall Effect sensor) that operate in parallel. Each sensor provides redundant position measurements, and the system can tolerate sensor failures while maintaining reliable operation. This segmentation approach enhances reliability through redundancy without requiring a completely new sensing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sensors that detect different physical parameters (inductive coupling and Hall Effect magnetic field) to measure the same pedal position. By changing the measurement parameter from a single type to multiple types, the system achieves improved reliability through diverse measurement approaches while managing complexity through standardized sensor integration.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple springs are used, then resistance emulation accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the resistance emulation function into multiple spring elements arranged in series and parallel configurations. Each spring contributes to specific portions of the force-displacement curve, allowing precise emulation of complex braking resistance characteristics. The segmented spring design enables accurate resistance emulation while facilitating modular assembly and manufacturing.
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 assembly effectively emulates the resistance feel of conventional braking systems while providing redundant position sensing for enhanced safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive sensor for sensing the position of the sleeve relative to the housing... an inductive target on the sleeve and moveable relative to the inductive coil in response to the sliding movement of the sleeve relative to the housing
Implementation Method 2
a Hall Effect sensor for sensing the position of the sleeve relative to the housing... a Hall Effect magnet on the sleeve and moveable relative to the Hall Effect integrated circuit in response to the sliding movement of the sleeve relative to the housing
Implementation Method 3
first and second springs in one end of the interior cavity of the housing, the first and second springs being compressible in response to the sliding movement of the sleeve in the interior cavity of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle pedal emulator assembly comprising a housing and a sleeve both defining an interior cavity. The sleeve is adapted for sliding movement in the interior cavity of the housing. Respective first, second, third, and fourth springs located in opposed ends of the interior cavity of the housing are compressible in parallel in response to the sliding movement of the sleeve in the interior cavity of the housing. The first and second springs surround the shaft and extend between one end of the housing and one end of the shaft. The third and fourth springs extend between one end of the sleeve and the other end of the sleeve. The combination of an inductive sensor and a Hall Effect sensor are adapted for measurement of the position of the sleeve relative to the housing.