Pneumatic Brake Pedal Module With Integrated Piston Restrictor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Brake-by-wire brake systems face challenges in integrating a brake pedal module that effectively simulates the reaction behavior of a mechanical brake pedal while being easy to install and flexible in vehicle environments, often requiring complex fluid connections and external restrictors.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic brake pedal module with a pivotably mounted brake pedal and a damping unit that includes a housing with a piston dividing it into a pressure and vacuum chamber, featuring an integrated restrictor within the piston, allowing adjustable damping based on flow cross-section changes, eliminating the need for external fluid connections and enabling flexible positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external restrictor connected by fluid lines is used to regulate fluid pressure, then the brake pedal reaction behavior is simulated, but the system complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor is integrated directly into the piston structure, merging the damping function with the existing brake pedal module. This eliminates the need for separate external restrictors and fluid line connections, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the brake pedal reaction behavior simulation
Solution Approach 2:
The restrictor function is extracted from the external fluid line system and incorporated into the piston itself. This allows the damping effect to be achieved without requiring external fluid connections, simplifying the overall system integration
2Adaptability or versatility
If a compact damping unit is used, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the damping adjustment capability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ring seal is designed to be axially movable within the annular space, allowing it to dynamically adjust the flow cross-section based on piston movement direction. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables varying damping levels without requiring multiple fixed restrictors or complex external adjustment systems
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the annular space are designed with specific characteristics - the ring seal can selectively block or open different flow paths depending on its position. This local variation in flow characteristics allows for direction-dependent damping adjustment within the compact structure
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 module provides a compact, flexible, and adjustable damping system that simulates brake pedal reaction behavior without external fluid lines, automatically adjusting damping strength based on piston direction, thus simplifying integration and enhancing the brake pedal's hysteresis and reaction behavior.
Implementation Method 1
The ring seal is located at least in a flow path between the pressure chamber and the vacuum chamber and forms a restrictor in the at least one flow path
Implementation Method 2
a piston, which is mounted movably in the housing and divides an internal space of the housing into a pressure chamber and a vacuum chamber
Implementation Method 3
a damping unit, which is mechanically coupled to the brake pedal in order to generate a resistance when the brake pedal is actuated
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic 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 damping unit comprises a housing and a piston, which is mounted movably in the housing and divides an internal space of the housing into a pressure chamber and a vacuum chamber. The pressure chamber and the vacuum chamber are connected to one another in terms of flow. The piston has on its running surface an encircling annular space in which a ring seal is accommodated in an axially movable manner. The ring seal is located at least in a flow path between the pressure chamber and the vacuum chamber and forms a restrictor in the at least one flow path, which restrictor frees different flow cross sections in the at least one flow path depending on the axial direction of movement, and damps the movement of the piston with differing degrees of strength depending on a direction of movement of the piston.