Brake Pedal Resistance Emulator With Redundant Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Brake-by-wire vehicle brake pedals lack the resistance feel of conventional vacuum or hydraulic braking systems, necessitating a solution to replicate this sensation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle brake pedal spring resistance emulator assembly with a housing, sliding sleeve, and multiple compressible springs that generate varying resistance forces, combined with inductive and Hall Effect sensors to accurately sense the pedal position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If brake-by-wire system is used, then vehicle control precision is improved, but braking resistance feel is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pedal resistance emulator assembly as an intermediary component between the driver's foot and the brake-by-wire system. This assembly includes springs (first spring at the first end, second spring at the second end) that mechanically generate resistance force against pedal movement, while a position sensor simultaneously measures the pedal position and transmits signals to the brake-by-wire control system. This dual-function intermediary preserves both the tactile resistance feel and the precision control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal resistance emulator assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical resistance force through spring compression, measures pedal position through the position sensor, and transmits control signals to the brake-by-wire system. This multi-functional design allows a single component to address both the loss of tactile feedback and the need for precision control in brake-by-wire systems.
2Measurement precision
If position sensor is added, then position sensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the position sensing function with the existing pedal resistance emulator assembly. The position sensor is integrated into the housing structure, and its output is combined with the mechanical spring resistance function. This merging approach adds position sensing capability without creating a separate, standalone sensing system, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal resistance emulator assembly is designed to serve dual purposes: providing mechanical resistance through springs and sensing pedal position through the integrated position sensor. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate resistance mechanisms and sensing systems, reducing overall system complexity while achieving both objectives.
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
The assembly effectively emulates the resistance feel of conventional braking systems while providing redundant position sensing for enhanced safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
first and second springs in one end of the interior cavity of the housing, the first and second springs being compressible in response to the sliding movement of the sleeve in the interior cavity of the housing
Implementation Method 2
third and fourth springs in an opposed end of the interior cavity of the housing, the third and fourth springs being compressible in response to the sliding movement of the sleeve in the interior cavity of the housing
Implementation Method 3
an inductive sensor for sensing the position of the sleeve relative to the housing
Implementation Method 4
a Hall Effect sensor for sensing the position of the sleeve relative to the housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A vehicle pedal emulator assembly comprising a housing and a sleeve both defining an interior cavity. The sleeve is adapted for sliding movement in the interior cavity of the housing. Respective first, second, third, and fourth springs located in opposed ends of the interior cavity of the housing are compressible in parallel in response to the sliding movement of the sleeve in the interior cavity of the housing. The first and second springs surround the shaft and extend between one end of the housing and one end of the shaft. The third and fourth springs extend between one end of the sleeve and the other end of the sleeve. The combination of an inductive sensor and a Hall Effect sensor are adapted for measurement of the position of the sleeve relative to the housing.