A torque sensor which detects a deflection angle between an input and an output shaft which are aligned with a shaft axis. An annular sine ring, annular cosine ring, and annular flux return ring, each constructed of a ferromagnetic material, are coaxially disposed around the shaft axis. A sine spoke has one end attached to the output shaft and its other end closely adjacent the sine ring and, similarly, a cosine spoke is secured to the output shaft at one end and is positioned closely adjacent the cosine ring at its other end. A pair of flux return spokes are also secured to the output shaft, each diametrically opposed from the sine or cosine spoke, and have their outer ends closely adjacent the return ring. A magnetic flux bridge is formed between the return flux ring and the sine ring as well as the cosine ring while magnetic sensors determine the magnitude of the flux across each bridge. A magnet is attached to the input shaft and positioned midway between the cosine spoke and sine spoke so that deflection between the input shaft and output shaft varies the magnitude of magnetic flux across each bridge.
G01L 3/10 - Rotary-transmission dynamometers wherein the torque-transmitting element comprises a torsionally-flexible shaft involving electric or magnetic means for indicating
A pedal assembly for simulating the feel of a standard pedal assembly in a vehicle. The pedal assembly includes a pedal pivotally mounted to a housing. A lever arm is further provided connecting the pedal to the housing. A kickdown subassembly is mounted within the housing. The kickdown subassembly includes a bead and an abutment portion. Depression of the pedal assembly results in movement of the bead towards the abutment portion and provides for kickdown when the bead contacts the abutment portion and then subsequently moves past the abutment portion.
A rotary position sensor having a transmitter coil excited by a high frequency signal source. A first and second receiver coil, each having at least two oppositely wound loops, are rotatably positioned electrically 90 degrees relative to each other. The receiver coils are positioned so as to be inductively coupled with the transmitter coil while a coupler constructed of an electrically conductive material is rotatably positioned over and inductively coupled with the first and second receiver coils. The outputs from the first and second receiver coils are coupled through a high pass filter and a low pass filter, respectively, thus creating a 90° phase shift in the resultant signals. These signals are summed together and coupled as an input signal to a PWM circuit together with a signal from the transmitter coil.
G01D 5/22 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature differentially influencing two coils
G01D 3/032 - Measuring arrangements with provision for the special purposes referred to in the subgroups of this group mitigating undesired influences, e.g. temperature, pressure affecting incoming signal, e.g. by averagingMeasuring arrangements with provision for the special purposes referred to in the subgroups of this group mitigating undesired influences, e.g. temperature, pressure gating undesired signals
4.
ELECTRONIC CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY HAVING VARYING RESISTANCE
The electronic clutch pedal assembly includes a housing bracket for mounting the pedal assembly to the vehicle, a pedal arm, and a biasing device. The pedal arm includes an upper end and a pedal pad at a lower end. The upper end of the pedal arm is pivotally supported within the housing bracket for movement along a pedal path between an undepressed position and a depressed position. The biasing device includes a first end cap pivotally attached to the housing bracket and a second end cap pivotally attached to the pedal arm. The biasing device includes a compressible member disposed between the first end cap and the second end cap. The compressible member biases the pedal arm towards the undepressed position. Upon depression of the pedal arm towards the depressed position, the compressible member compresses as the biasing device rotates to provide a variable pedal resistance over the pedal path.
B60K 23/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control devices for vehicle transmissions, or parts thereof, not otherwise provided for for main transmission clutches
G05G 5/05 - Means for returning or tending to return controlling members to an inoperative or neutral position, e.g. by providing return springs or resilient end-stops
A sensor circuit for use with a shaft assembly rotatably mounted in a housing and having an input shaft, an output shaft and a torsion bar which connects the input and output shafts together. A CR coil mounted to the housing around the shaft assembly is energized and generates an electromagnetic field. An RX coil is mounted to and rotates with the shaft assembly and has an output connected to a power circuit to generate electrical energy when excited by the electromagnetic field from the first coil. The power circuit powers an angle sensor which transmits a signal back to the first coil representative of the angle between the input and output shafts.
G01D 5/20 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature
B01D 15/02 - Separating processes involving the treatment of liquids with solid sorbentsApparatus therefor with moving adsorbents
An active release system for a pedal assembly which permits the pedal to be operated after releasing. A pivot pin supporting the pedal arm is mounted in a plurality of slots. The pin is held in position in the slots by a release lever assembly. The release lever assembly is held in position by two shear pins. The force of the discharge during a crash breaks the shear pins to rotate a release lever away from the pivot pin. The pedal pivot pin is then free to travel in the slots in the mounting bracket towards the occupant thereby pivoting the pedal arm from the passenger compartment allowing the pedal to be operated after releasing.
The electronic pedal assembly includes a housing configured to mount onto a fire wall of a vehicle. The housing includes a pair of spaced apart side walls extending outwardly from an elongated center portion, a first housing portion axially aligned with a second housing portion. A pedal arm is rotatably disposed in the first housing portion. The pedal arm includes an end portion. A rotatable member disposed in the second housing portion and is pivotably mounted to a second pivot rod. The rotatable member is mechanically linked to the end portion of the pedal arm so as to rotate about the second pivot rod upon depression of the pedal arm. A position sensor is connected to the rotatable member. The position sensor is operable to detect the degree of rotation of the rotatable member upon depression of the pedal arm.
An electronic throttle control pedal assembly includes a housing having a cavity formed therein which is mounted to the vehicle. A hub is rotatably attached to the housing within the cavity. The hub includes at least a portion having a circumferential outer wall having an engagement portion. The pedal assembly includes a pedal arm having a pedal pad positioned at one end, and an opposite end operatively attached to the hub such that depression of the pedal pad rotates the hub.
An electrical-mechanical brake apparatus includes a bracket (20) and a pedal arm (40) supported by the bracket (20). One of the bracket (20) and the pedal arm (40) presents a cam body (72). The other of the other of the pedal arm (40) and the bracket (20) presents a cam follower (64). One of the cam body (72) and the cam follower (64) is rotatable. A cam bias (86) interconnects the rotatable one of the cam body (72) and the cam follower (64) to one of the bracket (20) and the pedal arm (40). As the pedal arm (40) moves toward the bracket (20), the cam follower (64) moves along the cam body (72), compressing the cam bias (86) for simulating the feel of a purely mechanical brake system. In certain embodiments, the bracket (20) presents the cam body (72) while in other embodiments the pedal arm (40) presents the cam body. In certain embodiments, the cam body (72) rotates while in others the cam follower (64) rotates.
A rotary position sensor having a transmitter coil energized by a high frequency current source. A first receiver coil includes an even number N of loops wherein adjacent loops of the first receiver coil are oppositely wound. A second receiver coil also includes N loops where adjacent loops are oppositely wound. Furthermore, the second receiver coil is angularly offset from the first receiver coil by 180/N degrees. A noncircular coupler constructed of an electrically conductive material is rotatably mounted relative to the coils so that the coupler element overlies at least a portion of the first and second receiver coils. A circuit processes the output signals from the first and second receiver coils and generates an output signal representative of the rotational position of the coupler.
G01D 5/22 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature differentially influencing two coils
An emergency automotive braking system in which a vehicle brake is movable between a braking position and a non braking position. An electrically powered actuator is mechanically coupled to the vehicle brake and, when energized, moves the vehicle brake from the non braking and to the braking position. A charging circuit electrically charges a capacitor bank. A collision avoidance system generates a trigger output signal upon detection of a potential vehicle collision to a control system which, in response to the trigger signal, electrically connects the capacitor bank to the actuator to energize the actuator.
B60T 7/12 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger
B60R 16/03 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided forArrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems
A pedal assembly using a non-contacting position sensor utilizing a spring-biased roller on a cam surface to simulate the feel of a conventional brake pedal is provided. The pedal assembly includes an elongated brake support bracket having a cam surface and a pedal arm having a spring-biased roller. A spring-biased roller assembly is mounted to an inward side or beside the pedal arm or on both sides of the pedal arm. The roller assembly includes a fixed leg extending on from an inner side of the pedal arm and a movable leg which is pivotally mounted to the pedal arm. A biasing member extends over the support between the fixed leg and movable leg to generate a biasing force against the roller. When the pedal is depressed, the roller is moved along the cam surface of the support bracket thereby creating the 'feel' of a traditional pedal assembly.
G05G 1/015 - Arrangements for indicating the position of a controlling member
G05G 1/44 - Controlling members actuated by foot pivoting
G05G 5/03 - Means for enhancing the operator's awareness of the arrival of the controlling member at a command or datum positionProviding feel, e.g. means for creating a counterforce
A linear position sensor having a transmitter coil which generates electromagnetic radiation when excited by a source of electrical energy and wound in a first direction. A receiver coil is contained within the transmitter coil and the receiver coil includes both a first loop wound in a first direction and a second loop wound in the opposite direction. A coupler element linearly moves along a first direction relative to the transmitter coil which varies the inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil as a function of the linear position of the coupler element to thereby vary the electrical output signal from the receiver coil when excited by the transmitter coil. The first and second loops of the receiver coil are linearly aligned with each other along the first direction.
G01D 5/20 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature
G01D 5/22 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature differentially influencing two coils
A position sensor having a circular transmitter coil which generates electromagnetic radiation when excited by a source of alternating electrical energy. A receiver coil has a first loop wound in a first direction around a portion of the transmitter coil and a second loop wound in a second direction opposite from the first direction around a diametrically opposed portion of the transmitter coil. In addition the receiver coil includes a first compensating coil wound in the second direction inside the first portion of the transmitter coil as well as a second compensating coil wound in the first direction inside the second portion of the transmitter coil. The first and second loops and the first and second compensating coils of the receiver coil are electrically connected in series with each other. A movable coupler element varies the inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil as a function of the position of the coupler to thereby vary the electrical output signal from the receiver coil when excited by the transmitter coil.
G01B 7/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
G01D 5/20 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature
H02K 11/00 - Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection
A position sensor having a transmitter coil with both an outer loop portion and an inner loop portion. A receiver coil is disposed in close proximity to the transmitter coil and the receiver coil includes a first loop and an oppositely wound second loop. The receiver coil generates an electrical output signal when the transmitter coil is excited due to the inductive coupling between the transmitter and receiver coils. A movable coupler element varies the inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and the loops of the receiver coil as a function of the position of the coupler element.
G01D 5/22 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature differentially influencing two coils
16.
COMPACT PEDAL ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROVED NOISE CONTROL
A compact vehicle pedal includes a mounting bracket having a lower arm with guide slot. A swing plate having a mounting face and upper arm with guide slot is pivotally interconnected to a mounting bracket upper arm at a first axis by a pivot pin disposed within the swing plate guide slot, and the swing plate upper end has a first degree of freedom. An electronically controlled pedal arm assembly is mounted on the swing plate. A screw member connected to a drive apparatus has an end connected to the swing plate and operatively connected to the mounting bracket slot at the second axis, and the swing plate lower end has a second degree of freedom that is greater than the first. Activation of the drive apparatus displaces the screw member to pivotally constrain movement of the swing plate about the first axis and the second axis.
G05G 1/40 - Controlling members actuated by foot adjustable
B60K 23/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control devices for vehicle transmissions, or parts thereof, not otherwise provided for for main transmission clutches
B60K 26/02 - Arrangement or mounting of propulsion-unit control devices in vehicles of initiating means or elements
An electronically controlled floor mounted pedal assembly with a position sensor includes a base. A control arm is pivotally mounted to the base member at a control arm pivot axis, and a pedal arm is pivotally mounted to the base member at a pedal arm pivot axis. The control arm free end is positioned adjacent an inner surface of the pedal arm. A friction generating member mounted on the control arm free end contacts a pedal arm friction member positioned on the inner surface of the pedal arm to generate frictional hysteresis force. A spring positioned between the base member and the control arm free end initially biases the control arm against the pedal arm. A position sensor supported on the base member about the control arm pivot axis senses angular rotation of the control arm about the control arm pivot axis as the pedal arm rotates about the pedal arm pivot axis.
A throttle position sensor having a housing and a body rotatably mounted within the housing. An alignment clip is attached to the body so that the alignment clip rotates in unison with the body. This alignment clip, furthermore, is adapted to receive an end of a throttle shaft at a predetermined angular position and aligned body to the throttle shaft. A sensor is also mounted to the housing and generates an output signal representative of the rotational position of the body relative to the housing.
G01D 5/00 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
F02D 9/08 - Throttle valves specially adapted thereforArrangements of such valves in conduits
G01D 5/20 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature
An apparatus providing a signal related to a position of a coupler element comprises an exciter coil and a receiver coil, the apparatus being operable to provide a signal correlated with the position of the coupler element using a receiver signal generated when the exciter coil is energized due to an inductive coupling between the receiver coil and the exciter coil. In some examples, the receiver coil has first and second sections generating a first section signal and a second section signal respectively, and an electronic circuit is operable to generate a position- independent signal using the first section signal and the second signal. This position-independent signal may then be subtracted from a baseline voltage to provide an improved reference signal for ratiometric position sensing.
G01D 5/20 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature
G01D 5/22 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature differentially influencing two coils
F02D 41/00 - Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
An apparatus for determining an angular position of a shaft, such as a steering column, comprises a coil assembly, a coil support, and a coupler element having a coupler angular position correlated with the angular position of the shaft. The coil assembly includes a transmitter coil and at least one receiver coil, the coupler element modifying an inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and at least one receiver coil. A signal processing circuit receives coil signals from the coil assembly and determines the angular position using a receiver signal, and a reference signal that is correlated with an axial displacement but otherwise substantially independent of angular position. The reference signal can be used for ratiometric sensing, to substantially eliminate common mode factors, and also to determine the number of revolutions of the shaft. A combined angle and torque sensor further determines a twist angle across a torsion bar.
G01D 5/22 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature differentially influencing two coils
An electronically controlled pedal with hysteresis and kickdown includes a housing having a friction wall with a first factional surface having a first radius of curvature, a second frictional surface having a second radius of curvature, and a step transitioning between the two. A hysteresis and kickdown generating means is pivotally attached to the upper pedal arm. A spring biases the generating means against the housing. Application of a first pedal load to the pedal arm generates a first hysteresis force between the hysteresis and kickdown generating means and the first frictional surface. Application of a second pedal load to the pedal arm generates a frictional kickdown force between the generating means and the step, and application of a third pedal load generates a second hysteresis force between the generating means and the second frictional surface. The first hysteresis force, kickdown force and second hysteresis force are transmitted back to the operator.
An apparatus for providing a signal related to a position of a part comprises an exciter coil, and a receiver coil disposed proximate to the exciter coil. The exciter coil generates magnetic flux when the exciter coil is energized by a source of electrical energy, such as an alternating current source. The receiver coil generates a receiver signal when the exciter coil is energized, due to an inductive coupling between the receiver coil and the exciter coil. The receiver coil has a plurality of sections, the inductive coupling tending to induce opposed voltages in at least two of the sections. Embodiments of the present invention include linear sensors, rotational sensors, and novel configurations for improved ratiometric sensing.
G01D 5/20 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature
G01D 5/22 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature differentially influencing two coils
patents