Pedal Prop With Force Sensors for Brake Sealing Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedal props lack information on the fixing force and its changes during the support operation, making it difficult to verify the sealing of hydraulic brake system components effectively.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an evaluation and control unit with a displacement sensor and a force sensor to control an actuator, allowing for the measurement of travel and actuating force, enabling the calculation of leakage rates in the hydraulic brake system components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pedal prop is used to impose a load on a brake pedal and fix it in the desired position, then constant pedal displacement and pressure can be maintained, but there is no information on the fixing force or its changes during the support operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by introducing sensors (displacement sensor and force sensor) that continuously monitor the actuator's position and applied force, feeding this information back to the control unit. This enables real-time detection of fixing force changes and leakage rates, transforming the system from open-loop to closed-loop control and resolving the information loss about fixing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical pedal prop system with an electromechanical system by introducing an actuator (electric motor) controlled by an evaluation and control unit. This substitution enables electronic sensing and control, allowing the system to provide digital information about fixing force and detect leakage rates that were impossible with mechanical systems alone.
2Measurement precision
If an actuator with sensors and control unit is integrated into the pedal prop, then sealing verification and leakage detection become possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the actuator to serve multiple purposes: it not only applies the clamping force to hold the brake pedal but also functions as a measurement device through its integrated displacement and force sensors. The control unit processes multiple functions including sealing verification, leakage detection, and fixing force monitoring, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the actuator, sensors (displacement sensor and force sensor), and control unit into an integrated system. The control unit combines the signals from both sensors and processes them to determine leakage rates, merging multiple measurement and control functions into a single coordinated system rather than separate independent components.
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal prop for imposing a load on a brake pedal, in particular in motor vehicles, in order to apply the pressure necessary during sealing tests on components of the brake system, comprising a movable part, which changes the length of the pedal prop by moving in and out, and a fixed part, wherein the movable part is supported on a point of support on the motor vehicle. According to the invention, an evaluation and control unit is provided as an integrated element, which controls an actuator in order to provide an actuating force, wherein a displacement sensor and a force sensor are provided, by which a travel and an actuating force of the actuator can be sensed.