Patent ID: 6565160
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: B60T,G05G

Abstract:
A releasable pedal system for an automotive vehicle, said system comprising:a pedal assembly including a pedal pad operatively engageable by a vehicle operator; an actuator assembly for generating an amount of pressurized fluid responsive to the pedal assembly; and a pressure release valve coupled in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid and operable to release pressurized fluid to a fluid supply reservoir so as to reduce the amount of pressurized fluid in response to detecting a vehicle collision, wherein said pressure release valve further comprises: an inertial mass that is movable in response to deceleration to open a fluid path to reduce the amount of pressurized fluid; a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port, said inertial mass disposed within the housing; and a spring disposed in said housing and biasing the inertial mass to a closed valve position.