Drive-by-wire assembly with strain gauge

• US 20050223836A1
• Filed: 03/30/2004
• Published: 10/13/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Dura Global Technologies Incorporated (Dura Automotive Systems)
• Original Assignee: Dura Global Technologies Incorporated (Dura Automotive Systems)
• Inventors: Gibson, Jeffrey G.
• Application Number:
  US10/814,560
• Publication Number:
  US 20050223836A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 74/478
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 26/02 of initiating means or elements
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 5/225 to foot actuated controls, e.g. brake pedals
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 1/44 pivoting
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 1/487 Pedal extensions
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20189 Foot operated

Abstract

A drive-by-wire assembly for a motor vehicle including a pedal configured to undergo no substantial deformation when engaged by a foot of a user. A strain gauge is secured to the pedal and is configured to provide an output signal based on a force applied to the pedal by a foot of a user.

Claims

1. A drive-by-wire assembly for a motor vehicle comprising, in combination;

a pedal configured to undergo no substantial deformation when engaged by a foot of a user; and

a strain gauge secured to the pedal and configured to provide an output signal based on a force applied to the pedal by a foot of a user.

2. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 1, wherein the pedal is an accelerator pedal.

3. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 1, wherein the pedal is a brake pedal.

4. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 1, wherein the pedal is a clutch pedal.

5. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 1, wherein the pedal comprises an arm having a first end and a second end, and a footpad secured to the first end, the second end being secured to a mounting member.

6. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 5, wherein the mounting member is configured to be secured to a front of dash of a vehicle.

7. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 6, wherein the strain gauge is secured to the arm of the pedal.

8. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 6, wherein the strain gauge is secured to the mounting member.

9. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 6, wherein the second end is pivotally secured to the mounting member.

10. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 1, further comprising a false feedback member connected to the pedal and configured to provide resistance to foot of a user, the strain gauge being secured to the false feedback member.

11. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 10, wherein the false feedback member comprises an arm having a first end connected to the pedal and a second end connected to a mounting member to which the pedal is pivotally connected.

12. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 1, further comprising an electronic control unit configured to receive the output signal from the force measuring sensor.

13. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 1, wherein the pedal remains substantially stationary when engaged by a foot of a user.

14. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 1, wherein the pedal moves along a path of travel when engaged by a foot of a user.

15. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to send an electrical output signal based on an amount of travel of the pedal, the sensor and the strain gauge configured to operate independently of each other.

16. A drive-by-wire assembly for a motor vehicle comprising, in combination;

a pedal configured to be engaged by a foot of a user;

a strain gauge is secured to the pedal and is configured to provide an output signal based on a force applied to the pedal by a foot of a user; and

an electronic control unit connected to the strain gauge and configured to receive the output signal and output a control signal.

17. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 16, wherein the pedal is an accelerator pedal.

18. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 16, wherein the pedal is a brake pedal.

19. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 16, wherein the pedal is a clutch pedal.

20. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 16, wherein the pedal remains substantially stationary when engaged by a foot of a user.

21. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 16, wherein the pedal moves along a path of travel when engaged by a foot of a user.

22. The drive-by-wire assembly of claim 16, further comprising a sensor configured to send an electrical output signal based on an amount of travel of the pedal, the sensor and the strain gauge configured to operate independently of each other.