Hand-Controlled Servo Brake Assist With Proportional Pedal Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle braking systems for handicapped, elderly, or disabled individuals require leg-based operation, which can be challenging due to limited lower body strength, and existing assist systems may not provide proportional control or feedback, while also posing difficulties for non-disabled operators unfamiliar with the assist features.
Innovation Solution
A servo-assist braking system with a hand-operated control mechanism connected to a servomotor, which translates the brake pedal movement proportionally to hand control, providing tactile feedback and allowing conventional operation for non-disabled individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a brake assist apparatus is provided to help disabled individuals operate the brake pedal, then the ease of operation is improved for handicapped persons, but the device complexity increases and non-disabled operators may be unfamiliar with the system
Solution Approach 1:
The hand control assembly serves multiple functions: it provides manual braking assistance for disabled operators while simultaneously maintaining compatibility with conventional foot-operated braking systems for non-disabled users. The system can operate in two modes - assisted mode when hand control is actuated, and conventional mode when foot pressure is applied directly to the brake pedal.
Solution Approach 2:
The servomotor acts as an intermediary device between the hand control input and the brake pedal. It translates small manual forces into sufficient braking force through proportional control, mediating between the operator's limited input capability and the braking system's force requirements.
2Measurement precision
If a servomotor is used to provide proportional control and tactile feedback, then the measurement precision and control quality are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The servomotor incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide tactile resistance to the hand control, simulating the feel of actual brake engagement. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain proportional control - the harder the operator presses the hand control, the greater the braking force applied, creating a natural and intuitive control experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a servomotor-based electro-mechanical system. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving control precision, as the servomotor can precisely control brake pedal position through electrical signals rather than complex mechanical advantage systems.
3Ease of operation
If the hand control is positioned adjacent the steering wheel for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the space availability and vehicle design constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assist system is segmented into separate functional components: the hand control assembly, the servomotor, and the linkage to the brake pedal. This segmentation allows the hand control to be positioned in the optimal location near the steering wheel while the servomotor and other components can be mounted in alternative spaces within the vehicle.
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
Facilitates safe and efficient braking for disabled individuals with proportional control and tactile feedback, while enabling conventional operation for non-disabled users, and can be easily retrofitted to existing vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is a servomotor. The servomotor causes the rod to rotate so as to translate relative to the cylinder.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake assist system for actuating a brake pedal of a vehicle has an actuator having a cylinder with the rod translatably extending therefrom, a hand control adapted to be positioned adjacent a steering wheel of the vehicle, and a controller connected to the actuator and to the hand control. The actuators adapted to cause the rod to translate relative to the cylinder. One of the rod and the actuator is adapted to be connected to the brake pedal. The hand control is adapted to be grassed by an operator of the vehicle. The hand control is movable from a home position toward an extended position. The controller causes the rod to move relative to the cylinder of the actuator relative to the movement of the hand control. The actuator is a servomotor that causes the rod to rotate so it is translate relative to the cylinder.