Vehicle Brake Pedal Jam Detection via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle brake mechanisms fail to detect jammed pedals effectively, especially when autonomous braking is engaged, leading to potential safety issues as the driver may believe the vehicle is braking when in reality the mechanism is obstructed.
Innovation Solution
A brake mechanism incorporating a pedal, piston, spring, and autonomous brake module with a sensor system using a Hall-effect sensor and elastic parts to determine the force direction and detect blockages by measuring the gap between the transmitter element and intermediate plate, correlating this with a processor to identify jammed-pedal events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If autonomous brake module is added to assist manual braking, then braking power and response speed are improved, but the risk of undetected pedal jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor continuously monitors the position of the pedal and transmitter element, and a processor analyzes this data to detect anomalies. When pedal jamming is detected, the system provides feedback to the driver through visual, acoustic, or haptic alerts, resolving the reliability issue by enabling continuous monitoring and anomaly detection in the autonomous braking system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate detection system consisting of a sensor and processor that mediates between the autonomous brake module and the driver. This intermediary monitors the mechanical interaction between the pedal and transmitter element, detecting jamming conditions that would otherwise go unnoticed, thus resolving the contradiction between improved braking power and detection reliability
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sensor system is added to detect pedal jamming, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the sensor system to serve multiple purposes: monitoring pedal position, detecting transmitter element displacement, identifying jamming conditions, and providing feedback to the driver. The processor analyzes sensor data to perform both diagnostic and alert functions, reducing overall system complexity through component multi-use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate detection system consisting of a sensor and processor that mediates between the autonomous brake module and the driver. This intermediary monitors the mechanical interaction between the pedal and transmitter element, detecting jamming conditions that would otherwise go unnoticed, thus resolving the contradiction between improved braking power and detection reliability
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
Effectively detects jammed pedals by accurately measuring the force direction and displacement, preventing unintended braking scenarios and enhancing safety by triggering alarms or alerts when a jammed-pedal event occurs.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor preferably includes a Hall-effect sensor attached to the intermediate plate and a magnet attached to the transmitter element in order to determine the distance between them
Implementation Method 2
The determination of the force in the direction of the resting position is made using an elastic part
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle brake mechanism that includes a pedal, a piston attached to the pedal, a spring associated with the piston and exerting a longitudinal force on the piston in a direction opposite the braking direction in order to bring the pedal to a resting position, and an autonomous brake module. A manual braking force on the pedal causes a longitudinal movement of the piston and displaces a transmitter element integrally joined to the piston. The autonomous brake module causes a movement of an intermediate plate that displaces the transmitter element and the piston, exerting a longitudinal force on the piston in the braking direction. The brake mechanism determines the force in the direction opposite the braking direction using a sensor situated on or in the intermediate plate and/or the transmitter element.