Brake Pedal Restoring Mechanism for Hydraulic Feel Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle architectures require a pedal operating unit that simulates the feel of a hydraulic brake system without a direct hydraulic connection, necessitating a solution that provides the accustomed brake operation feel to the driver while eliminating hydraulic components.
Innovation Solution
A pedal operating unit with a restoring mechanism comprising a torsion spring and a spiral spring, along with an elastic element, which applies a continuous restoring force to the brake pedal, simulating the behavior of a hydraulic brake system by varying the force-deflection characteristic through the interaction of these mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic connection is maintained between the pedal operating unit and the brake system, then the driver receives authentic hydraulic feedback, but the system requires maintenance and is subject to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a mechanical copy of the hydraulic brake system's force-deflection characteristic using spring elements. Instead of using actual hydraulic fluid and pressure transmission, the invention replicates the feel and resistance profile of a hydraulic brake through carefully selected mechanical springs that mimic the force feedback a driver would experience in a hydraulic system, thereby eliminating maintenance requirements while preserving operational characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with a purely mechanical spring-based system. By substituting hydraulic pressure transmission and feedback mechanisms with mechanical spring elements, the invention eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid, seals, and pressure supply devices, thereby achieving maintenance-free operation while maintaining the essential brake pedal feel through mechanical force-deflection characteristics.
2Ease of manufacture
If hydraulic components are eliminated from the pedal operating unit, then maintenance requirements are reduced, but the brake pedal feel may differ from traditional hydraulic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the mechanical parameters of spring elements (spring constant, pre-load, arrangement) to replicate the force-deflection characteristic of hydraulic brake systems. By carefully selecting and configuring spring parameters, the invention maintains the authentic brake pedal feel including the progressive resistance and feedback that drivers expect, while using maintenance-free mechanical components instead of hydraulic systems.
3Device complexity
If a single spring element is used in the restoring mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the force-deflection characteristic cannot be optimized across different pedal positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the restoring mechanism into multiple discrete spring elements arranged in specific configurations. This segmentation allows each spring to be optimized for different portions of the pedal travel, with some springs engaging at different deflection points to create the desired progressive force-deflection characteristic. The segmented approach enables precise control over the brake pedal feel across the entire operating range while maintaining manageable device complexity.
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 maintenance-free, wear-free, and cost-effective pedal operating unit that can be positioned freely in the vehicle, with a compact design and adaptable force-deflection characteristic, effectively simulating the hydraulic brake system's behavior without hydraulic connections.
Implementation Method 1
the first restoring device comprises a torsion spring
Implementation Method 2
the second restoring device comprises a spiral spring and at least one elastic element, in particular an elastomer
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal operating unit having a brake pedal, which is mounted to be pivotable about a first pivot, and a restoring mechanism, wherein the restoring mechanism is designed to apply a restoring force to the brake pedal in the direction of its rest position when the brake pedal is deflected out of the rest position thereof. The restoring mechanism has at least one first restoring device and one second restoring device. An increase in the restoring force is effected, in particular exclusively, by the first restoring device over a first angular range of a pivoting movement of the brake pedal about the first pivot, and an increase in the restoring force is effected, in particular exclusively, by the second restoring device over a second angular range of a pivoting movement of the brake pedal about the first pivot.