Multi-Stage Brake Pedal Emulator for Brake-By-Wire Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Brake-by-wire systems lack the 'feel' of conventional brake systems, making it difficult for drivers to gauge the appropriate braking force effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pedal emulator system with a housing comprising multiple spring stages that compress in parallel, replicating the force-displacement curve of a traditional brake pedal, providing a counter-force that mimics the feel of a conventional braking system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brake-by-wire systems are used, then system reliability and integration are improved, but driver feedback and braking feel deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pedal emulator as an intermediary device between the driver's foot and the brake-by-wire sensor. This emulator includes a spring mechanism that physically replicates the mechanical resistance and feedback of traditional brake systems, allowing the driver to feel natural braking characteristics while the sensor accurately measures pedal position for the electronic control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal emulator creates a physical copy of the traditional brake pedal's mechanical feedback characteristics. By using springs to simulate the force-displacement curve of conventional brake systems, the emulator reproduces the familiar braking feel without requiring actual mechanical connection to the brake components, thus maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multi-stage spring systems are used, then braking feel accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking force is divided into three distinct stages using separate spring mechanisms. Each spring stage corresponds to a specific portion of the pedal travel distance, allowing precise control over the force-displacement characteristics in different operating regions. This segmentation enables accurate replication of traditional brake feel while keeping each individual spring component simple and manageable.
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 pedal emulator system effectively replicates the feel of a traditional brake pedal, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for brake-by-wire systems by generating a counter-force that is proportional to the applied braking force, enhancing driver feedback and control.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring that is compressed while the second housing portion travels a first distance relative to the first housing portion, a second spring that is compressed in parallel with the first spring after the second housing travels the first distance and while the second housing portion travels a second distance relative to the first housing portion, and a third spring that is compressed in parallel with the first spring and the second spring after the second housing portion travels the second distance and while the second housing portion travels a third distance relative to the first housing portion
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal emulator including a housing having a first housing portion that defines a first chamber and a second housing portion that defines a second chamber, the second housing portion moveable relative to the first housing portion. The pedal emulator also includes a first spring that is compressed while the second housing portion travels a first distance relative to the first housing portion, a second spring that is compressed in parallel with the first spring after the second housing travels the first distance and while the second housing portion travels a second distance relative to the first housing portion, and a third spring that is compressed in parallel with the first spring and the second spring after the second housing portion travels the second distance and while the second housing portion travels a third distance relative to the first housing portion.