System for exerting an amplified braking force

US6659572B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• John Vincent Bond, III · Inkster, US
• Gerald H. Engelman · Plymouth, US
• M. Nabeel Tarabishy · Gaylord, US
• Levasseur Tellis · Southfield, US
• Jonas Ekmark · Olofstorp, SE
• Jonas Jansson · Handen, SE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 8, 2001
• Grant date: Dec 9, 2003
• Expiry date: Nov 8, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60T13/662
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An emergency brake assist apparatus amplifies driver braking force upon imminent contact detection. A brake pedal, operated by the driver, exerts a pedal force upon a variable brake booster. A braking system is coupled to the variable brake booster that produces a variable brake booster force causing the braking system to exert a braking force proportional to the pedal force during normal operation. When a forward detection apparatus detects an imminent contact, a controller signals the variable brake booster to increase the variable brake booster force such that the braking system exerts an amplified braking force proportional to the pedal force.