Brake Pedal Module With Progressive Damping for Brake-By-Wire Feel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Brake-by-wire systems lack a straightforward method to integrate a brake pedal module that effectively simulates the reaction behavior of a mechanical brake pedal, complicating integration into vehicle environments.
Innovation Solution
A brake pedal module with a pivotably mounted pedal and a damping unit featuring a housing with a piston supported by series and parallel elastic elements, where the parallel element contributes to resistance only at the end of the pedal's travel, providing a progressive resistance simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic systems are used to simulate brake pedal reaction behavior, then the pedal characteristic is well simulated, but the integration complexity into vehicle environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic systems with a purely mechanical damping unit consisting of elastic elements (springs) arranged in series and parallel configurations. This mechanical substitution maintains the pedal characteristic simulation while significantly reducing integration complexity and eliminating hydraulic fluid requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping unit is segmented into multiple elastic elements arranged in specific configurations (series and parallel). This segmentation allows independent optimization of different portions of the pedal travel, achieving realistic pedal characteristics through combined action of simpler mechanical components rather than a monolithic hydraulic system.
2Reliability
If multiple elastic elements are arranged in series to generate counterforce, then the pedal characteristic is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges series and parallel arrangements of elastic elements within a single compact damping unit. The series arrangement generates progressive counterforce during pedal travel, while the parallel element provides additional support, combining both configurations to achieve superior pedal characteristics without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the stiffness parameters of individual elastic elements to optimize pedal characteristic across different travel ranges. By adjusting spring constants and arrangement configurations, the system achieves realistic progressive resistance without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
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 achieves a realistic pedal characteristic with rapid force increase, allowing for quick detection of braking intention and compact, self-contained design suitable for 'brake-by-wire' systems, enhancing integration and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the piston is supported on a base of the housing via at least two elastic elements arranged in series
Implementation Method 2
The further elastic element on the base of the housing is a rubber damper, for example
Data Source
AI summary
A brake pedal module for a “brake-by-wire” brake system of a vehicle is disclosed. The brake pedal module has a pivotably mounted brake pedal and a damping unit. The damping unit is mechanically coupled to the brake pedal in order to generate a resistance when the brake pedal is actuated. The damping unit comprises a housing and a piston mounted in the housing in such a way that it can be moved from an initial position into an end position. In its initial position, the piston is supported on a base of the housing via at least two elastic elements arranged in series. A further elastic element is arranged parallel to the at least two elastic elements on the base of the housing. The further elastic element is not subject to any load in an initial position of the piston.