Dynamic Brake Force Indicator Using Pedal Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brake light systems only indicate when a vehicle's braking system is activated, which may not provide enough information for trailing vehicles to safely avoid a rear-end collision, as they do not convey the degree of brake force applied.
Innovation Solution
A pedal force sensor measures the brake force applied to the brake pedal and dynamically displays this information through adjustable illumination parameters, such as intensity, area, and frequency, using rearward-facing OLED lamps, allowing trailing drivers to perceive the applied brake force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional brake light systems are used to indicate brake activation, then the system structure remains simple, but the information provided to trailing drivers is insufficient for safe collision avoidance
Solution Approach 1:
The brake light system transitions from a static on/off indication to a dynamic display that continuously varies illumination parameters (intensity, area, frequency) according to the real-time brake force applied, providing trailing drivers with actionable information about the leading vehicle's braking state
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies multiple illumination parameters (intensity, area, frequency) of the brake lights to encode different levels of brake force information, transforming a single-state indicator into a multi-parameter information carrier that conveys the degree of braking without requiring complex additional sensors
2Loss of information
If a pedal force sensor is added to measure brake force, then brake force information becomes available, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the existing brake pedal mechanism and its inherent mechanical properties, using the pedal force sensor that can be integrated into the existing brake system structure, allowing the system to measure brake force without requiring a completely separate sensing subsystem
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal force sensor serves multiple functions: it measures brake force for display purposes, and can potentially be integrated with existing brake control systems, maximizing the utility of the added component while minimizing overall system complexity
3Loss of information
If dynamic display parameters are adjusted according to brake force, then information clarity for trailing drivers improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the brake force measurement continuously informs the illumination parameter adjustment, creating an automatic closed-loop system that translates physical brake force into corresponding visual signals without requiring manual intervention or complex decision logic
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination parameters are dynamically adjusted in real-time based on the measured brake force, with intensity, area, and frequency varying continuously to reflect the applied brake force level, providing intuitive and immediate information to trailing drivers
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
This solution enhances safety by providing trailing drivers with clear and dynamic feedback on the brake force applied by the leading vehicle, enabling them to respond appropriately and avoid collisions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more rearward facing OLED lamps mounted at the back of the driving apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamically displaying of a brake force is disclosed. A brake pedal force sensor can be used to generate signals indicating an amount or a level of brake force exerted on a brake pedal of a driving apparatus. Such signals can be processed to determine degrees of the brake force exerted. A set of display parameter values can be determined based on the determined degree of the brake force. The set of display parameters can include at least one value for illumination brightness, illumination area, illumination frequency, illumination color, and/or illumination style on a brake light of the driving apparatus. In certain embodiments, the display of the brake force is in a form of sliding bar and/or circular ring, and the brightness and/or the illumination area of the brake light is proportional to the determined degree of the brake force.