Vehicle Braking Apparatus Integrating Pedal Stroke Sensor and Lamp Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electric booster brake system for vehicles generates operating noise and increases manufacturing costs due to separate pedal stroke sensors and Brake Light Switches (BLS) configured as mechanical switches, requiring additional wire harnesses and Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
Innovation Solution
A braking apparatus and method that integrates a pedal stroke sensing unit to output a PWM signal, a control unit to generate a ramp signal based on a reference voltage and converted voltage signals, and a brake lamp control, eliminating the need for separate BLS modules by implementing the brake lamp and actuator control through a circuit configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical BLS switch is used to control the brake lamp, then the brake lamp can be turned on/off, but operating noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical BLS switch with an electronic pedal stroke sensor that detects brake pedal movement and generates electrical signals. This substitution eliminates the mechanical contact and arc discharge of the BLS switch, thereby removing the operating noise while maintaining the brake lamp control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the brake lamp control function from the mechanical BLS switch and integrates it into the electronic control unit. By separating the lamp control function from the mechanical switching mechanism, the system eliminates noise while preserving the essential control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pedal stroke sensor and BLS are configured as separate modules, then each function can be independently implemented, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional wire harness and PCB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pedal stroke sensor and BLS functions into a single integrated module. The pedal stroke sensor simultaneously provides both the pedal stroke detection signal and the brake lamp control signal, eliminating the need for separate wire harnesses and PCBs, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functional independence through software or circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the pedal stroke sensor, which serves both as a pedal stroke detector and as a brake lamp switch (BLS). This universal component performs multiple functions that were previously handled by separate modules, reducing system complexity and manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A braking apparatus for a vehicle may include: a pedal stroke sensing unit configured to sense a pedal stroke of a brake pedal, and output a pedal stroke signal; and a control unit configured to control a brake actuator for braking the vehicle, based on the pedal stroke signal inputted from the pedal stroke sensing unit, and output a ramp signal in which information on whether a braking action of the vehicle has been performed is reflected, based on a reference voltage signal which is preset to determine whether the brake pedal is stepped on and a voltage signal converted from the pedal stroke signal.