Brake Pedal Counter-Force Feedback for Electronic Vehicle Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles without a pneumatic brake system, there is a need for alternative means to provide resistance or counter force in the foot brake pedal, allowing the driver to feel the degree of braking intended, as pneumatic control signals are no longer available.
Innovation Solution
A foot brake device with a sensor-activated mechanism using spring and damping elements to generate a counter force proportional to the pedal's activation, mimicking the feel of traditional pneumatic systems without relying on pneumatic pressure, and incorporating backup sensors for non-pneumatic brake actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a pneumatic brake system is omitted in favor of an electronic brake system, then the device complexity and weight are reduced, but the driver loses tactile feedback about braking intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic mechanical system with an electronic system that uses sensors, actuators, and control units to detect pedal position and generate corresponding brake force, eliminating the need for compressed air while maintaining braking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect the pedal position and this information is fed back to the control unit, which adjusts the brake actuator force accordingly, providing the driver with tactile feedback about braking intensity through the pedal
2Loss of energy
If pneumatic systems are removed from vehicles, then energy consumption and environmental impact are reduced, but alternative means to provide pedal resistance must be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic resistance generation system with an electronic system that uses actuators and control algorithms to generate the necessary pedal resistance, eliminating energy consumption associated with pneumatic compressors and air line maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic brake system automatically adjusts the pedal resistance based on sensor feedback and control algorithms, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or maintenance of pneumatic systems while providing consistent and reliable braking assistance
3Extent of automation
If a purely electronic brake system is implemented, then the brake system can be integrated with automated driving functions, but redundancy and safety backup systems become more challenging to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the brake control function into separate modular components including pedal position sensors, control units, and brake actuators, allowing for independent testing, maintenance, and redundancy implementation while maintaining integration with automated driving functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements backup sensors and control units that are pre-positioned and ready to take over in case of failure of the primary electronic brake system, providing redundancy and safety backup without interfering with normal automated driving operations
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
Enables a familiar braking experience for drivers without pneumatic systems, ensuring safe and effective braking through proportional counter force feedback and independent sensor backup for reliable actuation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element (20, 30, 40) to generate a counter force for the foot brake pedal
Implementation Method 2
at least one damping element (19) to generate a counter force for the foot brake pedal
Data Source
AI summary
A foot-brake-device (FBD) for vehicles, utility/commercial vehicles, includes a foot-brake-pedal (FBP) for driver activation, and a first/second foot-brake-sensor (FBS) coupled with the FBP, the first/second FBS determining an FBP position upon driver activation, and the first/second FBS generating a first/second electric-control-signal (ECS) corresponding to the FBP position. The second FBS functions as a back-up-sensor for failure of the first FBS. The FBD includes member(s) to generate counter-force(s) against which the FBP works upon activation, the counter-force being substantially proportional to the activation degree of the FBP and indicates the activation degree of the FBP to the driver. The members include first/second spring-elements with different characteristics. The FBD includes first/second electronic-control-device, the first/second ECS generated by the first/second FBS being received by the first/second electronic-control-device which generates a third/fourth ECS which activates brake actuator(s) to brake the vehicle in an amount corresponding to the activation degree of the FBP.