Autonomous Vehicle Braking System Using Resistance Ruler Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional braking systems for autonomous cars often fail due to mechanical inaccuracies, leading to unreliable automatic control.

Innovation Solution

A braking system comprising a pedal, a driving motor, a resistance ruler, micro switches, and a control unit, where the pedal's position is determined by resistance values recorded when the pedal transitions between two positions, allowing precise control of the braking mechanism through a connecting member and motor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional braking systems are used in autonomous cars, then the system structure is simple, but mechanical inaccuracies cause unreliable automatic control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of automatic controlVSAvoidcomplexity of braking system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pure mechanical position detection with an electrical resistance-based detection system. A resistance ruler (potentiometer) converts the pedal's mechanical displacement into an electrical resistance value, which is then read by a control unit. This substitution eliminates mechanical linkages and contact points in the detection mechanism, thereby improving reliability while maintaining acceptable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a resistance ruler as an intermediary element between the pedal and the control unit. This intermediary converts mechanical motion into an electrical signal that can be precisely measured and processed, enabling accurate position detection without direct mechanical connections to the control unit, thus improving reliability of automatic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If mechanical linkages are used to connect the pedal to the braking mechanism, then the system is easy to manufacture, but mechanical problems cause control inaccuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of pedal position controlVSAvoidease of manufacturing braking system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical linkages with an electrical field-based measurement system. The resistance ruler uses an electrical field to detect position without physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear and manufacturing tolerance accumulation. This achieves high precision in pedal position control while the resistance ruler itself is a standard component that is easy to manufacture and install.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the pedal position is not accurately detected, then the system structure is simple, but braking performance becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of braking performanceVSAvoidprecision of pedal position detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a resistance ruler to convert mechanical position into an electrical resistance measurement. This electrical measurement method provides high precision and consistency in detecting pedal position, enabling the control unit to accurately determine braking force requirements. The resistance-based measurement is immune to mechanical wear and provides consistent readings over time, ensuring reliable braking performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously reads the resistance value from the resistance ruler, compares it with target values, and adjusts the braking mechanism accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate and consistent braking performance by constantly monitoring and correcting the actual braking force to match the desired force based on pedal position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Ensures accurate and reliable braking by determining the pedal's position using resistance values, preventing mechanical failures and ensuring consistent braking performance.

Implementation Method 1

recording the resistance in the resistance ruler as the first resistance value when the control unit receives the first signal; recording the resistance in the resistance ruler as the second resistance value when the control unit receives the second signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11338778B2Braking system for autonomous car and setting method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 ACER INC
  • US11338778B2 patent drawing
  • US11338778B2 patent drawing
  • US11338778B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A braking system for an autonomous car is provided, including a car body, a pedal, a braking mechanism, a resistance ruler, a driving motor, a connecting member, a first micro switch, a second micro switch, and a control unit. The pedal is pivotally connected to the car body, the braking mechanism is connected to the pedal, and the resistance ruler is disposed on the pedal. The connecting member is connected to the driving motor and the pedal. The control unit is electrically connected to the driving motor, the resistance ruler, the first micro switch, and the second micro switch. When the pedal is in a first position relative to the car body, the pedal contacts and actuates the first micro switch. When the pedal rotates relative to the car body from the first position to a second position, the pedal contacts and actuates the second micro switch.