Pedals
Kurt Andro – November 12th 2015
Conventional vs. pressure sensitive pedals
Brief description, objectives
The objective is identical with Wheel Brake.
New way of actuating the service brake for passenger cars, trucks, etc., which should lead to a reduced stopping distance during emergency braking in order to avoid collisions or, where a collision can no longer be avoided, to a lower collision speed.
Advantages of "Pedals" over "Wheel Brake"
- Technically much easier to implement
- Easier acclimatization for drivers
- Lower risk of foot injuries in accidents
- Probably much easier to approve than "Wheel Brake"
Problem
In an emergency braking situation, moving the foot from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal causes the loss of valuable time, which leads to an unnecessarily long stopping distance. There is also a risk that the driver will get stuck behind the brake pedal when changing feet in the rush of an emergency situation (shock) and that no braking will occur at all.
Solution
Common pedals are completely omitted. In their place a tread surface is used, which is interrupted in the middle by a slight elevation (middle bar).
- To the right of this elevation are two smaller areas, each underlaid with pressure-sensitive sensors (e.g. piezo elements). Depending on how strongly you step on it, a more or less strong electric current is sent to a control unit, which provides the appropriate acceleration or deceleration by means of suitable actuators.
- Left of the central elevation, the pressure on the clutch surface is measured and transferred in the same way.
- On the left side there is, as usual, a passive surface which serves as a resting position for the left foot.
In an emergency situation, the right foot can be quickly moved to the left to the braking surface. Safer and much faster than conventional pedals, as the leg does not have to be pulled back first.
- The elevation serves the foot as a side stop.
- Unlike conventional pedals there is no danger of getting stuck behind the brake pedal.
On Wheel Brake you will find further information on piezoelectric foils, implementation, tests, control logic, redundancy and links to other websites.