US 6,647,858 B2 · Linearizing shunt for a force sensor

Abstract

An intelligent input push rod assembly for applying an input force from a brake pedal to a power booster of a brake system. The input push rod assembly includes a sensor that is capable of generating an electrical output having a magnitude that varies with the amount of force applied to the input push rod by the brake pedal. Preferably, the sensor generates an output voltage signal that is generally proportional to the input force applied to the input push rod. A shunt is provided so that springs associated with the sensor operate in a generally linear force-deflection operating range of the springs. The output signal generated by the sensor is applied to a brake light control system that is supported by the input push rod assembly. The brake light control system uses the signal generated by the sensor to determine whether the vehicle brake lights should be illuminated and also to cause direct illumination of the brake lights during a braking operation.

Claims9

Dependent claims

Apparatus for providing a force to a power booster of a brake system, comprising:

a first input push rod member having one end adapted to be operatively coupled to a brake pedal and an opposite free end;
a second input push rod member having one end adapted to be operatively coupled to a power booster of a brake system for providing a force to the power booster upon an input force being applied to the brake pedal and an opposite free end;
a housing member operatively supporting the free ends of the first and second input push rod members so that the first and second push rod members extend along a common axis;
a biasing element mounted within the housing member and operable to bias the first and second input push rod members for movement relative to each other along the common axis in response to the applied input force, the biasing member having a free length and a fully compressed length along the common axis;
and
a shunt member mounted within the housing member and having a shunt body extending along the common axis, the shunt member being operable to shunt the applied input force at a position intermediate the free length and fully compressed length of the biasing element so that the input force is thereafter applied to the shunt body at the intermediate position to shunt further compression of the biasing element under the applied input force.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Linearizing shunt for a force sensor

Life of this patent

Linearizing shunt for a force sensor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9