Brake Pedal Module with Redundant Travel and Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 'brake-by-wire' systems, there is a need for reliable detection of a braking intention while maintaining a compact design of the brake pedal module, as existing systems lack accurate and redundant sensing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A brake pedal module with a pivotably mounted pedal and a damping unit, equipped with sensors on the pivot bearing and rear side for detecting actuating travel and force, respectively, allowing for redundant detection of braking intention and enabling a compact construction by eliminating the need for sensors on the housing or front side of the pedal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are arranged on the housing of the damping unit or on the front side of the brake pedal, then reliable detection of braking intention is achieved, but the device complexity and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a compact arrangement on the pivot bearing and rear side of the brake pedal. The first sensor (actuating travel sensor) is integrated on the pivot bearing, while the second sensor (actuating force sensor) is positioned on the rear side, eliminating the need for separate sensor housings and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable redundant detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional front-side sensor arrangement to a rear-side and pivot-bearing arrangement. By placing sensors on the rear side of the brake pedal and on the pivot bearing rather than on the front side or housing, the solution utilizes different spatial dimensions and surfaces, achieving compact integration without compromising detection reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact design of the brake pedal module is pursued, then spatial efficiency is improved, but the availability of mounting locations for sensors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting specific locations on the brake pedal structure that provide optimal sensing capabilities. The pivot bearing location offers direct measurement of actuating travel through angular displacement, while the rear side provides direct measurement of actuating force, ensuring that the compact design does not compromise sensing accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If redundant sensor detection is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements redundancy through a second sensor that measures actuating force, providing a complementary measurement to the first sensor's actuating travel measurement. This copying approach uses a different physical quantity (force vs. position) to verify and enhance the detection of braking intention, improving measurement precision without requiring identical duplicate sensors.
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 solution provides accurate and reliable detection of braking intention, enabling a compact and robust brake pedal module design, with integrated sensors that measure actuating travel and force, ensuring reliable operation in 'brake-by-wire' systems.
Implementation Method 1
a damping unit, which is mechanically coupled to the brake pedal in order to generate a resistance when the brake pedal is actuated
Implementation Method 2
The sensor for detecting the actuating travel is an angle sensor, for example. An angle sensor can be used to measure a pivoting angle by which the brake pedal is pivoted during an actuation
Implementation Method 3
at least one further sensor for detecting an actuating force, which is arranged on a rear side of the brake pedal
Data Source
AI summary
A brake pedal module for a brake-by-wire brake system of a vehicle is disclosed. The brake pedal module includes a pivotably mounted brake pedal and a damping unit. The damping unit is mechanically coupled to the brake pedal to generate a resistance when the brake pedal is actuated. The brake pedal module comprises a sensor unit for detecting a braking intention of a driver. The sensor unit comprises at least one sensor for detecting an actuating travel, which is arranged on a pivot bearing of the brake pedal, and at least one further sensor for detecting an actuating force, which is arranged on a rear side of the brake pedal when considered in a plan view of an actuating surface of the brake pedal.