Brake Pedal Dual-Target Sensing for Force and Blockage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brake-by-wire systems cannot accurately measure the intended braking force and fail to detect mechanical blockages on the brake pedal, limiting their effectiveness and safety.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a distance sensor and a processing circuit that measures the distance traveled by two targets coupled to the brake pedal, calculates the difference in distance to determine the braking force, and generates a control signal for activating the brake, while also detecting mechanical blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional brake-by-wire systems measure only the distance the brake pedal travels, then the system structure remains simple, but the ability to accurately determine the intended braking force is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pedal is divided into multiple targets (first target and second target) that are sensed independently by the distance sensor. By measuring the distance traveled by each target separately and calculating the difference, the system achieves more precise braking force determination while using a single distance sensor, thus avoiding excessive system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spring element as an intermediary mechanical component between the two targets. The spring's deformation under braking force creates the differential movement that the distance sensor measures. This intermediary mechanism translates the braking force into measurable distance differences without requiring complex force sensors
2Reliability
If conventional brake-by-wire systems use a single distance measurement, then the device complexity remains low, but the ability to detect mechanical blockages is lost
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the measurement into two separate distance measurements (one for each target), the system can detect discrepancies that indicate mechanical blockages. If one target cannot move while the other moves normally, this differential behavior signals a blockage, improving reliability without requiring additional sensor types
Solution Approach 2:
The processing circuit continuously monitors the distance traveled by both targets and compares the measurements. When the difference between the two measurements deviates from expected ranges, the system generates feedback indicating a potential mechanical blockage, enabling real-time reliability monitoring
3Measurement precision
If the brake pedal is equipped with multiple targets and a distance sensor, then the braking force determination precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distance sensor serves multiple functions: it measures the distance traveled by the first target, measures the distance traveled by the second target, and enables blockage detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized sensors, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the first target and second target into a single integrated brake pedal assembly with a spring element, rather than using separate components. This merging approach simplifies the manufacturing process while still enabling precise differential measurements for braking force determination
Data Source
AI summary
A device for a brake-by-wire system of a vehicle is proposed. The device includes a distance sensor, which is configured: to sense a distance traveled by a first target that can be coupled to a brake pedal of the vehicle; to sense a distance traveled by a second target that can be coupled to the brake pedal; and a processing circuit, which is configured: to determine a difference between the distance traveled by the first target and the distance traveled by the second target; to determine based on the difference a force acting on the brake pedal; and to generate based on the force a control signal for activating a brake of the brake-by-wire system.