Motor-driven feedback mechanism
AssigneeVisteon Global Techologies, Inc.
InventorsStephen M. Stachowski, Kevin J. Pavlov, Randy C. Stevenson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A motor-driven feedback mechanism for a braking pedal. A pedal is linked to a shaft and a bi-directional motor capable of operating in a first and a second direction is linked to the shaft. A gearbox is driven by the bi-directional motor and the gearbox is attached to the shaft to effect rotation of the pedal. A motor controller is linked to the motor and a microprocessor capable of controlling the motor controller is linked to the motor controller. At least one sensor for measuring a parameter of the pedal and providing feedback to the microprocessor is provided.
Claims26
A motor-driven feedback mechanism for a braking pedal, said mechanism comprising:
- a pedal linked to a shaft;
- a bi-directional motor capable of operating in a first and a second direction and linked to said shaft;
- a gearbox driven by said bi-directional motor and attached to said shaft to effect rotation of said pedal;
- a motor controller linked to said motor;
- at least a first microprocessor linked to said motor controller and being capable of controlling said motor controller;
- at least one sensor for measuring a parameter of said pedal and providing feedback to said first microprocessor;
- and
- wherein said parameter is a force applied to said pedal by an operator.
A motor-driven feedback mechanism, said mechanism comprising:
- a pedal pivotally mounted to a frame via a shaft;
- a bi-directional motor capable of applying resistance to rotation and assistance to rotation of said pedal;
- a means for measuring a least one parameter of said pedal;
- a means for analyzing said at least one parameter of said pedal;
- and
- a means for controlling said bi-directional motor to adjust the direction and speed of said bi-directional motor in response to said at least one measured parameter of said pedal.
A method for providing force feedback to an operator of a shaft-mounted pedal, said method comprising the steps of:
- measuring at least one parameter of a pedal pivotally linked to a frame;
- analyzing said at least one parameter to determine operator intent;
- signaling a motor controller;
- and
- variably adjusting the direction of rotation and power of a motor to provide mechanical assistance to rotation and resistance to rotation of said pedal and shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.