Patent Publication Number: US-2023136473-A1

Title: Vehicle brake pedal with pedal resistance assembly and force/position sensor

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. Application Serial No. 62/845,401 filed on May 9, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Pat. Application Serial No. 62/992,944 filed on Mar. 21, 2020, the disclosure and contents of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference. 
     This patent application is also a divisional application which claims priority and benefit of U.S. Application Serial No. 16/867,733 filed on May 6, 2020 which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Application Serial No. 16/439,822 filed on Jun. 13, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,654,452 issued on May 19, 2020, which is a continuation application of U.S. Application Serial No. 15/876,772 filed on Jan. 22, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,343,657 issued on Jul. 9, 2019, the disclosures and contents of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This invention relates to a vehicle brake pedal with a pedal resistance assembly and a force/position sensor. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Brake-by-wire vehicle brake pedals do not utilize a conventional vacuum or hydraulic system for braking. 
     There is a desire to replicate the feel of a conventional vacuum or hydraulic braking system in brake-by-wire vehicle brake pedals. 
     The present invention is directed to a brake-by-wire vehicle brake pedal including a pedal resistance assembly that replicates the resistance feel of a conventional vacuum or hydraulic braking system. 
     The present invention is also directed to a pedal resistance assembly that incorporates a pedal force/position sensor. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is generally directed to a brake pedal assembly comprising a pedal and a pedal resistance force member operably coupled to the pedal and including a damper pedal resistance force module defining an interior fluid-filled cavity, a shaft extending through the damper module and including a piston mounted thereon and moveable through the fluid-filled cavity to generate a damper resistance force, a spring pedal resistance force module adapted to generate a spring pedal resistance force, a pedal force sensing module mounted to the pedal resistance force member, a pedal position sensor mounted to the pedal resistance force member; and a pedal force sensor mounted to the pedal resistance force member. 
     In one embodiment, the spring pedal resistance force module and the pedal force sensing modules are located at opposed ends of the pedal resistance force member. 
     In one embodiment, the spring pedal resistance force module and the pedal force sensing modules are located at the same end of the pedal resistance force member. 
     In one embodiment, the pedal resistance force member includes a moveable sleeve and a fixed sleeve, the moveable sleeve moving in response to the movement of the pedal, the shaft being operably coupled to the moveable sleeve and moveable in response to the movement of the moveable sleeve, the spring pedal resistance force module being coupled to the fixed sleeve and including first and second springs compressible in response to movement and contact with the sleeve and the shaft respectively for generating the spring pedal resistance force. 
     In one embodiment, the pedal force sensing module is coupled to the moveable sleeve. 
     In one embodiment, the pedal resistance force member includes a moveable sleeve and a fixed sleeve, the moveable sleeve moving in response to the movement of the pedal, the shaft being operably coupled to the moveable sleeve and moveable in response to the movement of the moveable sleeve, the spring pedal resistance force module being coupled to the moveable sleeve and including a first spring compressible in response to movement of the moveable sleeve for generating the spring pedal resistance force. 
     In one embodiment, the pedal force sensing module is coupled to the moveable sleeve. 
     In one embodiment, the pedal force sensing module includes a deflectable strain gauge plate with a deformable strain gauge element, the strain gauge plate being deflectable and the strain gauge element being deformable in response to the application of a force against the strain gauge plate. 
     In one embodiment, a bracket is coupled to the pedal and extending into the pedal force sensing module and into contact with the deflectable strain gauge, the bracket being adapted to exert a force against the deflectable strain gauge in response to the movement of the pedal. 
     In one embodiment, a magnet is coupled to the stationary sleeve, the pedal position sensor comprising a Hall Effect sensor mounted to the moveable sleeve and adapted for sensing changes in the magnetic field generated by the magnet for determining the position of the pedal in response to the movement of the Hall Effect sensor relative to the magnet. 
     The present invention is also directed to a pedal resistance force member for a brake pedal and comprising a damper pedal resistance force module defining an interior fluid-filled cavity, a shaft extending through the damper module and including a piston mounted thereon and moveable through the fluid-filled cavity to generate a damper resistance force, a spring pedal resistance force module adapted to generate a spring pedal resistance force, a pedal force sensing module mounted to the pedal resistance force member, a pedal position sensor mounted to the pedal resistance force member, and a pedal force sensor mounted to the pedal resistance force member. 
     In one embodiment, the spring pedal resistance force module and the pedal force sensing modules are located at opposed ends of the pedal resistance force member. 
     In one embodiment, the spring pedal resistance force module and the pedal force sensing modules are located at the same end of the pedal resistance force member. 
     In one embodiment, the pedal resistance force member includes a moveable sleeve and a fixed sleeve, the moveable sleeve moving in response to the movement of the pedal, the shaft being operably coupled to the moveable sleeve and moveable in response to the movement of the moveable sleeve, the spring pedal resistance force module being coupled to the fixed sleeve and including first and second springs compressible in response to movement and contact with the sleeve and the shaft respectively for generating the spring pedal resistance force. 
     In one embodiment, the pedal force sensing module is coupled to the moveable sleeve. 
     In one embodiment, the pedal resistance force member includes a moveable sleeve and a fixed sleeve, the moveable sleeve moving in response to the movement of the pedal, the shaft being operably coupled to the moveable sleeve and moveable in response to the movement of the moveable sleeve, the spring pedal resistance force module being coupled to the moveable sleeve and including a first spring compressible in response to movement of the moveable sleeve for generating the spring pedal resistance force. 
     In one embodiment, the pedal force sensing module is coupled to the moveable sleeve. 
     In one embodiment, the pedal force sensing module includes a deflectable strain gauge plate with a deformable strain gauge element, the strain gauge plate being deflectable and the strain gauge element being deformable in response to the application of a force against the strain gauge plate. 
     In one embodiment, a bracket is coupled to a pedal and extends into the pedal force sensing module and into contact with the deflectable strain gauge, the bracket being adapted to exert a force against the deflectable strain gauge in response to the movement of the pedal. 
     In one embodiment, a magnet is coupled to the stationary sleeve, the pedal position sensor comprising a Hall Effect sensor mounted to the moveable sleeve and adapted for sensing changes in the magnetic field generated by the magnet for determining the position of the pedal in response to the movement of the Hall Effect sensor relative to the magnet. 
     Other advantages and features of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiment of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features can best be understood by the description of the accompanying FIGS as follows: 
         FIG.  1    is a simplified broken side elevational view of a vehicle brake pedal incorporating a first embodiment of a pedal resistance force assembly or member in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the pedal resistance force assembly shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of one of the connectors with the position and force sensor assembly and associated sensor integrated circuits and wake-up switch; 
         FIGS.  4  and  7    are vertical cross-sectional views of the pedal resistance force assembly shown in  FIG.  2    in its fully engaged braking position; 
         FIG.  5    is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance force assembly shown in  FIG.  2    in its rest or disengaged or non-braking position; 
         FIG.  6    is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance force assembly shown in  FIG.  2    in a first partially engaged braking position; 
         FIG.  8    is a graph depicting the pedal resistance force generated by the pedal resistance assembly shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7    as a function of pedal travel; 
         FIG.  9    is a simplified broken side elevational view of a vehicle brake pedal incorporating another embodiment of a pedal resistance force assembly or member in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of the pedal resistance force assembly shown in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of one of the connectors incorporating the position and force sensor integrated circuits of the pedal resistance force assembly of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of another of the connectors incorporating the wake-up switch of the position and force sensor integrated circuits of the pedal resistance force assembly shown in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  13 A  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance force assembly shown in  FIG.  9    in its rest or disengaged or non-braking position; 
         FIG.  13 B  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance force assembly shown in  FIG.  9    in its fully engaged braking position; 
         FIG.  14    is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance force assembly shown in  FIG.  9    in a first partially engaged braking position; 
         FIG.  15    is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal force resistance force assembly shown in  FIG.  9    in a second partially engaged braking position; 
         FIG.  16    is another vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance force assembly shown in  FIG.  9    in its fully engaged braking position; 
         FIG.  17    is an enlarged broken vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance force assembly in the rest or disengaged or non-braking position as shown in  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  18    is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the position of the check valves of the piston of the pedal resistance force assembly in the  FIG.  13 A -16 positions of the pedal resistance force assembly; 
         FIG.  19    is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the position of the check valves in the piston of the pedal resistance force assembly during the return of the pedal from its  FIG.  16    position to its  FIG.  13 A  position; and 
         FIG.  20    is a graph depicting the pedal resistance force generated by the pedal resistance assembly shown in  FIGS.  9 - 16    as a function of pedal travel. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS.  1 - 7    depict a first embodiment of a vehicle brake pedal assembly  10  incorporating a pedal resistance force assembly or module or member  100  in accordance with the present invention. 
     The vehicle brake pedal assembly  10  includes a base/bracket  12 , an elongate brake pedal  14  pivotally connected for clockwise/engaging/braking and counterclockwise/disengaging/non-braking rotation and movement relative to the pedal base/bracket  12 . The pedal resistance force assembly  100  is operably coupled to the pedal assembly  10  in a relationship extending between the base/bracket  12  and the pedal  14  and further in a relationship with a first end bracket  122  thereof operatively coupled to the pedal  14  and a second opposed end bracket  123  coupled to the pedal base/bracket  12 . 
     The pedal resistance assembly  100  is generally in the form and shape of an elongate hollow cylinder or housing or tube initially comprising an interior liquid-filled cylinder or tubular damper or resistance force module  110  adapted to provide a velocity-dependent force response and including a first central generally cylindrical elongate hollow interior cylinder or tubular housing or sleeve  130  including an exterior circumferential wall  132  defining and forming an interior hollow elongate cylindrically or tubular shaped receptacle or cavity or chamber  134  and further defining opposed ends  131  and  133 . 
     A first sealing cap or cartridge  112  covers and seals a first end of the sleeve  130  of the damper module  110 . A second opposed and spaced apart sealing cap or cartridge  114  covers and seals a second opposed end of the sleeve  130  of the damper module  110 . The cavity or chamber  134  contains a damper fluid (not shown) which, in one embodiment, can be a propylene glycol and water mixture. 
     The pedal resistance assembly  100  further comprises an elongate shaft  140  extending through the interior of the chamber  134  of the sleeve  130  of the damper module  110 . The shaft  140  includes a first end  140   a  extending through a central aperture defined in the cap  112  and a second opposed end  140   b  of the shaft  140  extending through a central aperture defined in the opposed cap  114 . 
     A piston  146  extends around a central portion or segment of the shaft  140   and is located in the fluid cavity  134  between the two end sealing caps  112  and  114 . The piston  146  is fixed on the shaft  140  and is moveable linearly in the interior of the fluid cavity  134  in response to the back and forth linear movement of the shaft  140 . 
     The piston  146  includes a dual rod structure adapted to maintain a constant fluid volume during the stroke or movement thereof. The interior surface of the wall  132  of the sleeve  130  of the damper module  110  includes variable geometry grooves  128  that allow the damping function to vary with distance or movement of the piston linearly within the interior of the sleeve  130 . 
     The pedal resistance assembly  100  still further comprises a second hollow cylindrical or tubular sleeve or housing  153  surrounding the sleeve  130  of the damper module  110 . The end  140   b  of the shaft  140  extends into the interior of the sleeve or housing  153 . The sleeve  153  includes opposed ends  153   a  and  153   b . The damper module sleeve  130  is located in the end  153   a  of the sleeve  130 . 
     A pair of elongate sensor magnets  154   a  and  154   b  are mounted on a magnet carrier  300  surrounding and fixed to the end  153   a  of the sleeve  153 . The magnets  154   a  and  154   b  are located in a diametrically opposed relationship on opposed sides of the magnet carrier  300  and thus on diametrically opposed sides of the pedal resistance assembly  110 . 
     A third hollow cylindrical or tubular sleeve or guide  155  surrounds the second sleeve or housing  153 . The sleeve or guide  155  includes opposed ends  155   a  and  155   b . A collar  156  is defined at the one end  155   a  of the sleeve or guide  155 . The end  140   a  of the shaft  140  extends through a central aperture defined in the collar  156 . 
     A ring  159  surrounds and is fixed to the end  155   b  of the sleeve or guide  155 . 
     The pedal resistance assembly  100  still further comprises a spring pedal resistance force module  160  at one end thereof that is coupled to and surrounds the end  153   b  of the sleeve  153 . The pedal resistance module  160  includes the bracket  123  which includes an interior cylindrical collar  162  surrounding the end  153   b  of the sleeve  153  and a cylindrical pin or projection or finger  163  extending into the interior of the end  153   b  of the sleeve  153 . The pedal resistance module  160  further includes an interior cap  163   a  that is moveable within the interior of the end  153   b  of the sleeve  153 . A ring  157  protruding inwardly from the interior face of the wall of the sleeve  153  defines a stop that limits the movement of the cap  163   a  in the interior of the sleeve  153 . 
     A first compressible and expandable helical spring  164  extends around the pin  163 , is located in the interior of the end  153   a  of the sleeve  153  and includes opposed ends abutted against the interior collar  162  and the interior of the bracket  123  respectively. 
     A second compressible and expandable helical spring  165  extends around the exterior of the end  153   b  of the sleeve  153  and includes opposed ends abutted respectively against the collar  162  of the bracket  123  and the ring  159  surrounding and fixed to the end  155   b  of the sleeve or guide  155 . 
     An exterior shroud  166  surrounds and covers the spring  165 . A screw  167  secures the shroud  166  to the bracket  123 . 
     The pedal resistance assembly  100  still further comprises a pedal force module  170  coupled to and partially surrounding the collar  156  at the one end  155   a  of the sleeve or guide  155 . 
     Thus, in the embodiment shown, the pedal resistance module  160  and the pedal force module  170  are positioned in a co-linear relationship along the longitudinal axis of the pedal resistance assembly  100  and located at opposed distal ends of the pedal resistance assembly  100  in a relationship with the damper or resistance force module  110  located between the pedal resistance module  160  and the pedal force module  170 , all in a co-linear relationship relative to each other. 
     The pedal force module  170  includes an interior strain gauge housing  172  that includes a center plate  173  and a circumferential collar  174  surrounding the collar  156  of the sleeve or guide  155 . An elongate spring pin  176  extends through the collars  174  and  156  and the end  140   a  of the shaft  140 . The housing  172  defines an interior chamber or cavity or receptacle for a pair of deformable Wheatstone bridge strain gauge discs  180  and  182  separated by a spacer  184  and including strain gauge elements (not shown) mounted thereon as known in the art. 
     The bracket  122  includes a pin  188  that extends through the strain gauge discs  180  and  182  and through an aperture defined in the center plate  173  of the housing  172 . A preload lock nut  190  surrounds the end of the pin  188 , is abutted against the plate  173 , and secures the pin  188  and thus the bracket  122  to the housing  172 . A shroud  192  surrounds the housing  172 . 
     The pedal resistance assembly  100  still further comprises a combination position and force sensor/sensing assembly or module  200  coupled to the exterior of the damper module  110  and, more specifically, to the exterior of the guide sleeve  155  of the damper module  110 . The assembly  200  comprises a pair of diametrically opposed connector assemblies  210  and  220  mounted to the exterior of the guide sleeve  155 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , each of the connector assemblies  210  and  220  defines an interior housing for a printed circuit board  222  including a position sensor Hall Effect IC  224  and a pedal force sensor IC  226  mounted thereon. The pedal resistance assembly  110  includes a pair of connector assemblies  210  and  220  and position sensor Hall Effect ICs and the pair of magnets  154   a  and  154   b  for redundancy reasons. 
     The connector assembly  210  also defines a housing for a position sensor wake-up switch  230  which, in one embodiment, may be a Reed type switch. The switch  230  is adapted to wake-up the respective position sensor Hall Effect ICs  224  in response to the application of an initial braking force against the pedal  14 . 
     A switch connector assembly  240  is also mounted to the exterior of the damper module  110  and, more specifically, to exterior of the sleeve  155  of the damper module  110 . 
     Connector wires  250   a  and  250   b  extend between the respective strain gauge elements  180  and  182  and the respective strain gauge sensor ICs  226  mounted on the respective printed circuit boards  222  in the interior of the respective connector assemblies  210  and  220 . Another connector wire  250   c  extends between the wake-up switch  230  and the switch connector assembly  240 . 
     The combination of the pedal damper module  110  and the pedal resistance module  160  respectively are adapted to create and generate an increasing resistive force on the pedal  14  in response to the travel or movement or stroke of the pedal  14  during operation of a vehicle for either applying the brakes and increasing the resistance force or releasing the brakes and decreasing the resistance force as represented by the lines A and B in the graph of  FIG.  8   . 
     The combination of the damper module  110  and the spring  165  of the spring resistance module  160  create and generate an initial increasing resistance or feel force on the brake pedal  14  that is represented by the point A in the graph of  FIG.  8   . This initial increasing resistance or feel force is generated in response to the depression of the pedal  14  which, as shown in  FIG.  6   , results in the forward movement of the bracket  122  which in turn results in the forward movement of the force module  170  which in turn results in the forward sliding movement relative to the sleeve  130  of the damper module  110  and the sleeve  153  which in return results in the forward sliding movement of the shaft  140  coupled to the sleeve  155  which in return results in the movement of the piston  146  in the interior fluid filled cavity  134  of the damper module  110  which in return generates the initial increasing dampening resistive force against the pedal  14 . 
     An additional resistive force is generated against the pedal  14  as a result of the compression of the spring  165  in response to the forward sliding movement of the sleeve  155  which results in the forward movement of the ring  159  mounted thereon which causes the application of a compressive force against the one end of the spring  165  abutted against the ring  159  which in turn results in the compression of the spring  165  and the generation of a resistive force against the pedal  14 . 
     The additional depression of the pedal  14  results in the additional forward movement of the sleeve  155  and the shaft  140  which results in the additional compression of the spring  165  and still further results in the abutting contact of the end  140   b  of the shaft  140  with the cap  163   a  which in turn and as a result of the further forward movement of the sleeve  155  and the shaft  140  results in the forward movement of the cap  163   a  which in turn results in the compression of the spring  164  which results in the generation of a still further increased resistive force against the pedal  14  which is represented by the line B in the graph of  FIG.  8   . 
     Although not described or shown herein in detail, it is understood that the lines B and A also represent the decreased pedal resistance force on the pedal  14  generated when the vehicle operator removes foot pressure from the pedal  14  to release the brakes of the vehicle. 
     Additionally, the forward movement of the sleeve  155  results in the forward movement of the connector assemblies  210  and  220  mounted thereon and thus the movement of the position sensor Hall Effect ICs  224  mounted on the respective printed circuit boards  222  thereof relative to the respective stationary magnets  154   a  and  154   b  on the magnet carrier  300  which results in the sensing by the respective Hall Effect ICs  224  of the changes in the magnitude and/or direction of the magnetic fields of the respective magnets  154   a  and  154   b  which results in the generation of respective electrical signals which are transferred to a control unit (not shown) for measuring and determining the position of the sleeve  155  and thus the position of the pedal  14 . 
     The forward movement of the connector assembly  210  also results in the movement of the reed switch  230  which in turn results in the activation of the switch  230  which in turn results in the wake-up of the respective position sensor ICs  224  upon initial depression of the pedal  14 . 
     Moreover, the depression of the pedal  14  results in the forward movement of the bracket  122  which in turn results in the bracket  122  applying a force against the respective strain gauge discs  180  and  182  which in return results in a deformation or deflection of the respective discs  180  and  182  that is sensed by one or more strain gauge elements  180   a  and  182   a  located on one or both of the exterior surfaces of the discs  180  and  182  which results in a change of voltage that is sensed by the respective strain gauge elements  180   a  and  182   a  and the generation of appropriate electric signals which are transferred to the pedal force sensor IC  224  on the respective printed circuit board assemblies  222  of the respective connector assemblies  210  and  220  which signals are transferred to a control unit (not shown) for measuring and determining the force being applied to the pedal  14 . The pedal resistance assembly  100  includes a pair of force sensor assemblies for redundancy reasons. 
       FIGS.  9 - 19    depict a second embodiment of a vehicle brake pedal assembly  1010  incorporating a pedal resistance force assembly or module or member  1100  in accordance with the present invention. 
     The vehicle brake pedal assembly  1010  includes a base/bracket  1012 , an elongate brake pedal  1014  pivotally connected for clockwise/engaging/braking and counterclockwise/disengaging/non-braking rotation and movement relative to the pedal base/bracket  1012 . The pedal resistance assembly  1100  is operably coupled to the pedal assembly  101   o  in a relationship extending between the base/bracket  1012  and the pedal  1014  and more specifically in a relationship with a first end bracket  1122  thereof operatively coupled to the pedal  1014  and a second opposed end bracket  1123  coupled to the pedal base/bracket  1012 . 
     The pedal resistance assembly  1100  which is generally in the form and shape of an elongate hollow cylinder or housing or tube initially comprising a fixed or stationary liquid and air filled damper pedal resistance force module  1110  adapted to provide a velocity-dependent force response and including a first central generally cylindrical elongate hollow interior housing or sleeve or tube  1130  including an interior circumferential wall  1132  defining and forming an interior hollow elongate cylindrically shaped receptacle or cavity or chamber  1134  and further defining opposed ends  1131  and  1133 . 
     The housing or sleeve  1130 , and more specifically, the circumferential wall  1132  thereof, also includes a plurality, and more specifically in the embodiment shown three, spaced apart through-holes or apertures  1132   a ,  1132   b , and  1133   c  extending around the circumference of the wall  1132  and are radially spaced along the length of the wall  1132 . 
     The housing or sleeve  1130 , and more specifically the circumferential wall  1132  thereof, also includes and defines a circumferential exterior recessed area or groove  1132   d  in communication with the respective holes or apertures  1132   a ,  1132   b , and  1133   c . 
     A first sealing cap or cartridge  1112  covers and seals the first end  1131  of the sleeve  1130  of the damper module  1110 . A second opposed and spaced apart cap or cartridge  1114  covers and seals the second end  1133  of the sleeve  1130  of the damper module  1110 . The bracket  1123  is unitary with the cap  1114 . 
     The cavity or chamber  1134  includes an interior moveable generally cylindrical sealing plug or gasket or floating tan piston  1120  that separates the interior of the cavity or chamber  1134  into a first chamber section  1134   a  on one side of the plug or gasket  1120  that contains a damper fluid which, in one embodiment, can be a propylene glycol and water mixture and a second chamber section  1134   b  on the other side of the plug or gasket or piston  1120  that contains compressed air. 
     The cap or cartridge  1114  incorporates a Schrader or the like air pressure valve  1116  adapted for connection to a source of compressed air. The valve  1116  is in communication with an aperture or conduit  1117  defined in the interior of the cap or cartridge  1114  which, in turn, is in communication with the interior of the second chamber section  1134   b  and adapted for the supply of compressed air into the interior of the second chamber section  1134   b  as discussed in more detail below. 
     The pedal resistance assembly  1100  further comprises an elongate shaft  140  extending through the interior of the chamber  1134  of the damper or resistance force module  1110 , and more specifically through the interior of the chamber section  1134   a  of the sleeve  1130  of the damper module  1110 . The shaft  1140  includes a first end  1140   a  and an opposed second end  1140   b . 
     A piston  1146  extends around the first end  1140   a  of the shaft  1140  and is located in the fluid cavity section  1134   a  of the interior chamber  1134  between the sealing cap  1112  and the sealing gasket or plug  1120 . The piston  1146  is fixed on the shaft  1140  and is moveable linearly in the interior of the fluid cavity section  1134   a  of the chamber  1134  in response to the back and forth linear movement of the shaft  140  as explained in more detail below. 
     The piston  1146  includes a plurality of check valves  1147  incorporated therein and extending between opposed sides of the piston  1146  and adapted to allow the liquid in the first chamber section  1134   a  to move between the opposed sides of the piston  1146  as also described in more detail below. 
     The pedal resistance assembly  1100  and, more specifically the damper pedal resistance force module  1110  thereof, still further comprises a second hollow cylindrical or tubular stationary or fixed sleeve or housing  1153  surrounding and fixed to the exterior of the circumferential wall  1132  of the sleeve  1130  of the damper module  1110 . The sleeve or housing  1153  includes opposed ends  1153   a  and  1153   b . The end  1153   a  of the sleeve  1153  extends and protrudes fore of the end  1131  of the sleeve  1130 . The end  1153   b  of the sleeve  1153  surrounds the end  1133  of the sleeve  1130 . The cap  1114  surrounds and is fixed to the end  1153   b  of the sleeve  1153 . 
     The end  1153   a  of the sleeve  1153  surrounds the first sealing cap or cartridge  1112  which covers and seals the first end  1131  of the sleeve  1130  of the damper module  1110 . 
     The sleeve  1153  surrounds and is fixed to the sleeve  1130  in a relationship wherein the groove  1133   d  defined in the sleeve  1130  and the interior surface of the wall of the sleeve  1153  defines a fluid flow chamber as described in more detail below. 
     A pair of elongate and diametrically opposed sensor magnets  1154   a  and  1154   b  are located in respective grooves defined in the exterior face of the wall of the sleeve  1153 . A switch magnet  1154   c  is located in another groove defined in the exterior wall of the sleeve  1153 . The switch magnet  1154   c  is positioned on the sleeve  1153  between and spaced ninety degrees from the sensor magnets  1154   a  and  1154   b . 
     The pedal resistance assembly  1100  still further comprises a spring pedal resistance force module  1160  defined by a moveable and slidable sleeve  1161  including a first end  1161  a surrounding the end  1153   a  of the sleeve  1153  of the damper or resistance force module  1110 . The sleeve  1160  defines an opposed end or radial collar or base  1161   b . The sleeve  1161  also defines an interior chamber or cavity  1162 . 
     A compressible and expandable helical spring  1164  is located in the interior chamber or cavity  1162 . A first end of the spring  1164  is abutted against the end of the interior cap  1112 . A second end of the spring  1164  is abutted against a face of the collar  1160   b  of the sleeve  1161 . The spring  1164  is compressible in response to the depression of the pedal  1014  and the resultant movement of the sleeves  1161  and  1153  relative to each other as described in more detail below. 
     The end  1140   b  of the shaft  1140  extends and is fixed in the end or collar  1160   b  of the sleeve  1161 . 
     The pedal resistance assembly  1100  still further comprises a pedal force module  1170  coupled to and partially surrounding the end  1160   b  of the sleeve  1161 . 
     The pedal force module  1170  includes an exterior collar or circumferential wall or jacket  1171  defining an interior hollow housing or cavity  1178  that houses a deformable Wheatstone bridge strain gauge disc  1180  including strain gauge elements (not shown) mounted thereon as known in the art. 
     The pedal force module  1170  further comprises an interior bracket  1174  located in the cavity  1178  and coupled to and abutted against the collar  1160   b  of the sleeve  1161 . 
     An elongate pin  1176  extends successively through the end  1140   b  of the shaft  1140 , the collar  1160   b  of the sleeve  1160 , and the bracket  1174  of the pedal force module  1170 . 
     The bracket  1122  is coupled to and extends into the interior of the collar  1171  of the pedal force module  1170 . The bracket  1122  includes an outwardly projecting pin  1188  that extends from the bracket  1122  into the interior of the collar  1171 , through the strain gauge disc  1180 , and into the interior bracket  1174 . A preload lock nut  1190  surrounds and is coupled to the distal end of the pin  1188  and secures the pin  1188  to the bracket  1174 . 
     Thus, in the embodiment shown, the pedal resistance module  1160  and the pedal force module  1170  are positioned in a co-linear relationship along the longitudinal axis of the pedal resistance assembly  1100  and located at the same distal end of the pedal resistance assembly  1100  in an adjoining side-by side co-linear relationship with the pedal resistance module  1160  in an adjoining side-by-side co-linear relationship with the damper module  1110  and, still more specifically, in a side-by-side co-linear relationship with the pedal resistance module  1160  located between the pedal force module  1170  and the damper module  1110  of the pedal resistance assembly  1100 . 
     The pedal resistance assembly  1100  still further comprises a combination position and force sensor assembly  1200  coupled to the exterior of the pedal resistance module  1160  and, more specifically, to the exterior of the sleeve  1161  of the pedal resistance module  1160  and more specifically comprises a plurality, and more specifically three, connector assemblies  1210 ,  1220 , and  1230  mounted to the exterior of the sleeve  1161 . 
     Each of the connector assemblies  1210  and  1220  defines a housing for a printed circuit board  1222  including a position sensor Hall Effect IC  1224  and a pedal force sensor IC  1226  mounted thereon. The pedal resistance assembly  1110  includes a pair of connector assemblies  1210  and  1220  and position sensor Hall Effect ICs and the pair of magnets  1154   a  and  1154   b  for redundancy reasons. 
     The connector assembly  1230  defines a housing for a position sensor wake-up switch  1232  which, in one embodiment, may be a Reed type switch. The switch  1232  is adapted to wake-up the respective position sensor Hall Effect ICs  1224  in response to the application of an initial braking force against the pedal  1014 . 
     Connector wires  1250   a  and  1250   b  extend between the strain gauge element  1180  and the respective strain gauge sensor ICs  1226  mounted on the respective printed circuit boards  1222  in the interior of the respective connector assemblies  1210  and  1220 . Another pair of connector wires (not shown) extends between the wake-up switch  1232  in the connector assembly  1230  and the Hall Effect ICs  1224  in the respective connector assemblies  1210  and  1220 . 
     The combination of the damper and resistance modules  1110  and  1160  respectively are adapted to create and generate an increasing resistive force on the pedal  1014  in response to the travel or movement of the pedal  1014  during operation of a vehicle for either applying the brakes and increasing the resistance force or releasing the brakes and decreasing the resistance force as represented in the graph of  FIG.  20   . 
     Point 1 in the graph of  FIG.  20    represents the zero force F1 against the brake pedal  1014  in the Zero travel x1 position of the brake pedal  1014  in the disengaged or non-braking position of the pedal  1014  as shown in  FIG.  9    and disengaged or non-braking position of the pedal resistance force assembly or module or member  1100  as shown in  FIG.  13 A . 
     The combination of the damper module  1110  and the spring  1164  of the spring resistance module  1160  are adapted to create and generate an initial resistance or feel force F2 on the brake pedal  1014  that is represented by the Point 2 in the graph of  FIG.  20    in response to the depression of the pedal  1014  and resultant movement of the pedal resistance force assembly or module or member  1100  from its  FIG.  13 A  and Point 1 position to its first partially engaged braking Point 2 Travel X2 brake pedal position as shown in  FIG.  14   . 
     This initial resistance or feel force is generated in response to the depression of the pedal  1014  which, as shown in  FIG.  14   , results in the forward movement of the bracket  1122  which in turn results in the forward movement of the force module  1170  which in turn results in the forward sliding movement of the sleeve  1161  relative to the sleeves  1130  and  1153  of the damper module  1110  which in turn results in the forward sliding movement of the shaft  1140  coupled to the sleeve  1161  which in turn results in the movement of the piston  1146  in the interior fluid filled cavity  1134  of the damper module  1110  which in turn generates the initial dampening resistive force against the pedal  1014 . 
     An initial spring resistive force is also generated against the pedal  1014  as a result of the compression of the spring  1164  in response to the forward sliding movement of the sleeve  1161 . 
     The additional depression of the pedal  1014  and the resultant movement of the pedal resistance force assembly or module or member  1100  from its  FIG.  14    Point 2 position to its  FIG.  15    Point 3 Force F3 against the brake pedal  1014  and Travel X3 engaged brake pedal position results in an additional increase in the pedal resistance force against the pedal  1014  as shown in  FIG.  20   . 
     Specifically, and referring to  FIGS.  14  and  15   , the additional forward movement of the sleeve  1161  results in an additional compression of the spring  1164  which results in the application of an additional spring resistive force against the pedal  1014 . 
     The additional forward movement of the sleeve  1160  also results in the additional forward movement of the shaft  1140  which results in the additional forward movement of the piston  1146  in the interior fluid filled cavity  1134  of the damper module  1110  which in turn generates and creates an additional dampening resistive force against the pedal  1014 . 
     Also, and referring to  FIG.  17   , it is understood that the movement of the piston  1146  between the  FIG.  13 A  and  FIG.  15    positions results in the movement of the fluid from the portion of the chamber  1134  located fore of the piston  1146  through the respective holes  1132   a , b, c and the chamber  1132   d  and into the portion of the chamber cavity  1134  located aft of the piston  1146  for the purpose of allowing equalization of the fluid volume within the interior of the chamber  1134  in response to movement of the piston  1146  in the chamber  1134 . 
     The still further depression of the pedal  1014  and the resultant movement of the pedal resistance force assembly or module or member  1100  from its  FIG.  15    Point 3 position to its  FIG.  16    Point 4 Force F4 against the brake pedal  1014  and Travel X4 brake pedal position results in a still further increase in the pedal resistance force against the pedal  1014  as shown in  FIG.  20   . 
     Specifically, and referring to  FIGS.  15  and  16   , the still further forward movement of the sleeve  1160  results in a still further additional compression of the spring  1164  which results in the application of a still further additional spring resistive force against the pedal  1014 . 
     The still further additional forward movement of the sleeve  1161  also results in the still further additional forward movement of the shaft  1140  which results in the additional forward movement of the piston  1146  in the interior fluid filled cavity  1134  of the damper module  1110  which in turn generates and creates a still further additional dampening resistive force against the pedal  1014 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  14 - 16   , the forward movement of the piston  1146  within the chamber  1134  results in the blocking of successive ones of the fluid holes  1132   b  and  1132   c  defined in the wall  1132  of the sleeve  1130  which in turn results in a build-up in the pressure of the fluid in the chamber  1134  which in turn results in the forward movement of the second piston  1120  in the chamber  1134  which in turn results in an increase in the pressure of the air located in the chamber section  1134   b  of the chamber  1134  which in turn results in the further additional increase in the dampening resistance force against the pedal  1014 . 
     Although not described or shown herein in detail, it is understood that the Points 4, 3, 2, and 1 in  FIG.  20    also represent the decreased pedal resistance force on the pedal  1014  generated when the vehicle operator removes foot pressure from the pedal  1014  to release the brakes of the vehicle. 
     In this regard, it is understood that the removal of foot pressure from the pedal  1014  results in the rearward movement of the piston  1146  in the chamber  1134  from its  FIG.  16    position back to its  FIG.  13 A  position which results in the movement of the piston check valves from their  FIG.  18    closed position to their  FIG.  19    open position in which the fluid located in the aft portion of the chamber  1134  is allowed to flow through the check valves  1147  and back into the fore portion of the chamber  1134 . 
     Additionally, and independently, it is understood that the forward movement of the sleeve  1160  results in the forward movement of the connector assemblies  1210  and  1220  mounted thereon and thus the movement of the position sensor Hall Effect ICs  1224  mounted on the respective printed circuit boards  1222  relative to the respective stationary magnets  1154   a  and  1154   b  which results in the sensing by the respective Hall Effect ICs  1224  of the changes in the magnitude and/or direction of the magnetic fields of the respective magnets  1154   a  and  1154   b  which results in the generation of respective electrical signals which are transferred to a control unit (not shown) for measuring and determining the position of the sleeve  1155  and thus the position of the pedal  1014 . 
     The forward movement of the connector assembly  1230  also results in the movement of the reed switch  1232  relative to the switch magnet  1154   c  which in turn results in the activation of the switch  1232  which in turn results in the wake-up of the respective position sensor ICs  1224  upon initial depression of the pedal  1014 . 
     Moreover, the depression of the pedal  1014  results in the forward movement of the bracket  1122  which in turn results in the application of a force against the strain gauge disc  1180  which in turn results in a deformation or deflection of the disc  1180  that is sensed by one or more strain gauge elements  1180   a  located on one or both of the exterior surfaces of the disc  1180  which results in a change of voltage that is sensed by the respective strain gauge elements  1180   a  and the generation of appropriate electric signals which are transferred to the pedal force sensor IC  1224  on the respective printed circuit board assemblies  1222  of the respective connector assemblies  1210  and  1220  which signals are transferred to a control unit (not shown) for measuring and determining the force being applied to the pedal  1014 . The pedal resistance assembly  1100  includes a pair of force sensor assemblies for redundancy reasons. 
     Numerous variations and modifications of the embodiments of the pedal resistance assembly and pedal force/position sensors of the present invention as described above may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel features of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitations with respect to the embodiments illustrated herein are intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.