Patent Publication Number: US-2022219659-A1

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

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This patent application claims priority and benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/136,878 filed on Jan. 13, 2021, the disclosure and contents of which are expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a vehicle pedal and, more specifically, a vehicle brake pedal with a linear pedal resistance and dampener assembly incorporating a force/position sensor. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Brake-by-wire vehicle pedals such as vehicle brake pedals do not utilize a conventional vacuum or hydraulic system for braking. 
     There is a desire to replicate or emulate 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 pedal and, more specifically, a vehicle brake pedal including a linear pedal resistance and dampener assembly that replicates or emulates the resistance and dampener feel of a conventional vacuum or hydraulic braking system. 
     The present invention is also directed to a pedal resistance and dampener assembly that incorporates a pedal force and position sensor. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to a vehicle pedal resistance and dampener assembly comprising a dampener module defining an interior fluid-filled cavity and adapted for generating a dampening force on the vehicle pedal, a resistance module adapted for generating a resistance force on the vehicle pedal, the dampener module and the resistance module being moveable relative to each other, a pedal position sensor assembly for sensing and measuring the position of the vehicle pedal, and a pedal force sensor assembly for sensing and measuring the force on the vehicle pedal. 
     In one embodiment, the resistance module comprises a plurality of compressible springs at opposed ends of the resistance and dampener assembly. 
     In one embodiment, the resistance module comprises first and second springs at each of the opposed ends of the resistance and dampener assembly. 
     In one embodiment, the first spring surrounds and is spaced from the second spring. 
     In one embodiment, the dampener module includes a shaft extending through the interior fluid-filled cavity. 
     In one embodiment, the resistance module includes a fluid-filled interior sleeve, the shaft of the dampener module extending into the sleeve of the resistance module. 
     In one embodiment, a first ring seal is secured to the sleeve of the resistance module and a second ring seal is secured to the dampener module and moveable relative to the sleeve. 
     In one embodiment, the vehicle pedal resistance and dampener assembly further comprises a sleeve in the dampener module defining the interior fluid-filled cavity, a shaft in the cavity of the dampener module, a fluid-filled interior sleeve in the resistance module, the shaft of the dampener module extending into the sleeve of the resistance module, a first ring seal surrounding the sleeve of the resistance module, a second ring seal surrounding and moveable relative to the sleeve of the resistance module, a first resistance spring in the resistance module extending between an end of the resistance module and the shaft of the dampener module, a second resistance spring in the resistance module surrounding and spaced from the sleeve of the resistance module, a third resistance spring in the dampener module extending from an end of the dampener module and surrounding the shaft in the dampener module, and 
     a fourth resistance spring in the resistance module surrounding the third resistance spring and extending between the end of the dampener module and the first ring seal. 
     In one embodiment, the pedal position sensor assembly includes a magnet on one of the dampener module and the resistance module and a position sensor on the other of the dampener module and the resistance module. 
     In one embodiment, the pedal force sensor assembly includes a pedal force application plate and a pedal force resistor substrate on the resistance module. 
     In one embodiment, the dampener module, the resistance module, and the pedal force sensing module are positioned in a relationship co-linear with each other and the longitudinal axis of the resistance and dampener assembly. 
     The present invention is also directed to a vehicle pedal resistance and dampener assembly for a vehicle pedal comprising a pedal resistance member including an interior fluid-filled sleeve, a pedal dampener member including a shaft in a fluid-filled interior chamber, the shaft extending into the sleeve of the pedal resistance member, the pedal resistance member and the pedal dampener member being moveable relative to each other and the shaft and the sleeve being moveable relative to each other. 
     In one embodiment, the vehicle pedal resistance and dampener assembly further comprises a first pedal resistance spring in the sleeve of the pedal resistance member, a second pedal resistance spring surrounding the sleeve of the pedal resistance member, a third pedal resistance spring surrounding the shaft of the pedal dampener member, and a fourth pedal resistance spring surrounding the third pedal resistance spring. 
     In one embodiment, the vehicle pedal resistance and dampener assembly further comprises a first ring seal surrounding and fixed to the sleeve of the pedal resistance member, and a second ring seal surrounding and moveable relative to the sleeve of the pedal resistance member in response to the movement of the pedal dampener member and the pedal resistance member relative to each other. 
     In one embodiment, the interior sleeve of the pedal dampener member defines first and second interior fluid-filled chambers separated by the first ring seal. 
     In one embodiment, the vehicle pedal resistance and dampener assembly further comprises one or more openings defined in an exterior wall of the sleeve of the pedal resistance member for providing fluid-flow communication between the fluid-filled sleeve of the pedal resistance member and the second interior fluid-filled chamber of the pedal dampener member, and one or more openings defined in the shaft of the pedal dampener member for providing fluid-flow communication between the fluid-filled sleeve of the pedal resistance member and the first interior fluid-filled chamber of the pedal dampener member. 
     In one embodiment, the vehicle pedal resistance and dampener assembly further comprises a pedal position sensor assembly including a magnet associated with one of the pedal dampener and pedal resistance members, and a pedal position sensor associated with the other of the pedal dampener and pedal resistance members. 
     In one embodiment, the vehicle pedal resistance and dampener assembly further comprises a pedal force sensor assembly including a pedal force sensor and a plate adapted to exert a force against the pedal force sensor in response to the movement of the pedal dampener member and the pedal resistance member relative to each other. 
     The present invention is further directed to a vehicle pedal resistance and dampener assembly comprising a resistance module including a fluid-filled interior sleeve, a dampener module including a shaft extending into the sleeve of the resistance module and defining a fluid-filled chamber, the resistance module and the dampener module being moveable relative to each other, a first pedal resistance spring located in the sleeve of the resistance module and extending between an end of the resistance module and the shaft of the dampener module, a second pedal resistance spring located in the resistance module and surrounding the sleeve of the resistance module, a third pedal resistance spring in the chamber of the dampener module, a fourth pedal resistance spring in the chamber of the dampener module surrounding the third pedal resistance spring in the chamber of the dampener module, a first ring seal surrounding and fixed to the sleeve of the resistance module, the third and fourth pedal resistance springs located between an end of the dampener module and the first ring, a second ring seal surrounding and moveable relative to the sleeve of the resistance module, the second pedal resistance spring located between the end of the resistance module and the second ring seal, and a pedal position sensor assembly including a magnet on one of the dampener module or the resistance module and a position sensor on the other of the dampener module or the resistance module. 
     In one embodiment, the vehicle pedal resistance and dampener assembly further comprises a pedal force sensor on the resistance module. 
     Other advantages and features of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features of the invention can best be understood by the description of the accompanying Figs. as follows: 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified broken perspective view of a vehicle brake pedal incorporating a pedal resistance and dampener assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly in its rest or disengaged or non-braking pedal position taken along the longitudinal axis of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly; 
         FIG. 5  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly in a first stage 1 engaged braking pedal position taken along the longitudinal axis of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly; 
         FIG. 5 a    is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly depicting the path of the flow of the dampener fluid through the pedal resistance and dampener assembly during a stage 1 engagement of the vehicle brake pedal; 
         FIG. 6  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly in a second stage 2 further engaged braking pedal position taken along the longitudinal axis of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly in a stage 3 fully engaged braking pedal position taken along the longitudinal axis of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly taken along and through the combination pedal position/force sensor connector assembly; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a pedal resistance and dampener assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is another perspective view of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly of  FIGS. 9 and 10  in a rest or disengaged or non-braking pedal position taken along the longitudinal axis of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly; 
         FIG. 11 a    is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly of  FIGS. 9 and 10  depicting the path of the flow of the dampener fluid through the pedal resistance and dampener assembly during a pedal disengagement stage; 
         FIG. 12  is vertical cross-sectional view of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly of  FIGS. 9 and 10  taken along and through the pedal position/force sensor connector assembly. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1-8  depict a vehicle pedal assembly and, more specifically, a vehicle brake pedal assembly  10  incorporating a linear pedal resistance and dampener assembly or module or member or emulator  100  in accordance with the present invention. 
     The vehicle brake pedal assembly  10  includes a vehicle base/bracket  12  which is shown in simplified form to include respective base/bracket members  12   a  and  12   b  associated with the firewall/floor of the vehicle, an elongate brake pedal  14  pivotally connected for counterclockwise/engaging/braking and clockwise/disengaging/non-braking rotation and movement relative to the pedal base/bracket  12   a.    
     The pedal resistance and dampener assembly  100  is operably coupled to the pedal assembly  10  in a relationship extending between the base/bracket member/vehicle firewall  12   b  and the pedal  14  and further in a relationship with a first end bracket or ball stud  122  thereof operatively coupled to the pedal  14  and a second opposed end bracket or adjustable eyelet  123  coupled to the pedal base/bracket member  12   b.    
     The pedal resistance and dampener assembly  100  is generally in the form and shape of an elongate hollow cylinder or housing initially comprising an interior liquid-filled cylinder or tubular dampener or dampening force module or member  110  which is adapted for linear movement in response to the movement of the pedal  14  and is adapted to provide a velocity-dependent dampening 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 first and second interior hollow elongate cylindrically or tubular shaped fluid-filled receptacles or cavities or chambers  134   a  and  134   b . The sleeve  130  further defines a closed end or wall  131  and an opposed open end  133 . 
     A first interior seal or sealing cap or cartridge or gland or ring or piston  112  covers and seals the interior circumferential surface of the open end  133  of the sleeve  130  of the dampener module  110 . An O-ring  112   a  extends between the exterior circumferential surface of the cap  112  and the interior circumferential surface of the exterior wall  132  of the sleeve  130  for providing a seal between the seal ring or piston  112  and the sleeve  130 . 
     The pedal resistance and dampener assembly  100  further comprises an elongate shaft or rod  140  extending generally centrally through the interior of the chamber  134  of the sleeve  130  of the dampener module  110  in a relationship generally co-linear with the longitudinal axis L of the sleeve  130  and the pedal resistance and dampener assembly  100 . 
     The shaft or rod  140  includes a first end  140   a  extending through and secured in the interior of a circumferential sleeve bracket or collar  141  that protrudes inwardly into the interior of the chamber  134  from the closed end wall  131  of the sleeve  130 . A second opposed end  140   b  of the shaft or rod  140  extends into the interior of a first end  150   a  of a second cylindrical sleeve or tube  150  of a resistance module  160  of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly  100  as described in more detail below. 
     The rod or shaft  140  defines an elongate central interior bore  140   c  terminating in an opening  140   e  in the radial end face at the end  140   b  of the shaft or rod  140 . The rod or shaft  140  additionally defines one or more bores or orifices  140   d  extending between the central bore  140   c  and the exterior of the rod or shaft  140  and located in the region of the dampener module  110  defining the first interior chamber  134   a.    
     A circumferentially extending central rod seal  152  provides a seal between the ring seal  112  and the exterior circumferential surface of the sleeve  150 . 
     A second interior sealing cap or seal or cartridge or gland or ring or piston  146  in the chamber  134  of the sleeve  130  of the dampener module  110  is secured to and surrounds the exterior circumferential surface of the first end  150   a  of the sleeve  150  of the resistance module  160 . 
     The cavities or chambers  134   a  and  134   b  of the dampener module  110  are defined and located in the interior of the sleeve  130  on opposed sides of the seal ring or piston  146 ; the cavity or chamber  134   b  is located between the respective seal rings or pistons  112  and  146 ; the cavities or chambers  134   a  and  134   b  are adapted to vary in size and volume in response to the movement of the dampener module  110 ; and contain a dampener fluid (not shown) which, in one embodiment, can be a propylene glycol and water mixture. 
     A stage 3 resistance retainer  153  is in the chamber  134  of the sleeve  130  and surrounds the interior sleeve bracket  141 . The retainer  153  is abutted against the interior surface of the closed end wall  131  of the dampening module  110 . 
     A pair of helical springs  154  and  155  are also located in the chamber  134  of the sleeve  130  of the dampener module  110 . The springs  154  and  155  are located between the end  131  of the sleeve  130  and the first ring seal  146 . The spring  154  comprises a stage 3 resistance spring that surrounds the interior sleeve bracket or collar  141  and includes a first end  154   a  abutted against the retainer  153 . The spring  155  comprises a stage 1 resistance spring that surrounds and is spaced from the spring  154  and the sleeve bracket or collar  141  and includes a first end  155   a  abutted against the retainer  153  and a second opposed end  155   b  abutted against the ring seal  146 . 
     A second sleeve bracket or collar  156  protrudes outwardly from the exterior of the closed wall or end  131  of the sleeve  130 . The ball joint  122  is threadingly secured and coupled to the sleeve bracket or collar  156 . 
     A hydraulic fluid VER housing or assembly or module  157  extends unitarily outwardly from the exterior circumferential surface or wall  132  of the sleeve  130  of the dampener module  110 . The VER housing  157  defines an interior fluid chamber  157   a . A VER piston  157   b  is located in and adapted for back-and-forth linear movement within the interior of the fluid chamber  157   a . A VER piston seal  157   c  extends around the circumference of the VER piston  157   b  and provides a seal between the VER piston  157   b  and the interior circumferential surface of the chamber  157   b . A zerk  158  is threadingly secured into an aperture  157   d  defined in the interior of the VER housing  157  and is in fluid flow communication with a fluid conduit  157   e  which is in fluid flow communication with the interior fluid chamber  157   a  of the fluid VER housing  157 . 
     The fluid conduit  157   e  is in turn in fluid flow communication with the fluid chamber  134   b  defined by the sleeve  130  of the dampener force module  110 . A retaining ring  159  is located at and seals one end of the fluid chamber  157   a  and housing  157 . A debris screen  159   a  surrounds and closes the end of the fluid chamber  157   a  and housing  157 . 
     The pedal resistance and dampener assembly  100  still further comprises a spring pedal resistance module or member or assembly  160  which is fixed to the vehicle bracket  12   b  and is comprised of a circumferentially extending and generally tubular shaped shroud or housing  161  that includes a circumferentially extending outer wall  162  defining an interior chamber or cavity  163  and including a first open end  162   a  surrounding the wall  132  of the sleeve  130  of the dampener module  110  and an opposed radial end wall  162   b  defining a closed opposed end. 
     Thus, in the embodiment shown, the pedal resistance module  160  surrounds at least a portion of the dampener module  110  and, more specifically, at least a portion of the wall  162  of the pedal resistance module  160  surrounds at least a portion of the wall  132  of the dampener module  110 . 
     A first collar  164  protrudes and extends inwardly from the radial end wall  162   b  and extends into the interior chamber  163  of the shroud  161 . The collar  164  defines an interior threaded receptacle  164   a  that receives the threaded shaft  123   a  of the eyelet bracket  123 . The threaded shaft  123   a  extends through the collar radial end wall  162   b  and into the collar receptacle  164   a.    
     A second circumferential collar  165  in the interior chamber  163  of the shroud  161  surrounds and is spaced from the first collar  164 . The collar  165  also protrudes and extends inwardly from the radial end wall  162   b  of the shroud  161  of the resistance module  160 . 
     The hollow and elongate sleeve or tube  150  extends in and through the interior chamber  163  of the shroud or housing  161  in a relationship co-linear with the longitudinal axis of the pedal resistance assembly  100  and includes a first end  150   a  surrounding the end  140   b  of the shaft  140  in the dampener module  110  and an opposed end  150   b  abutting against the interior surface of the radial end wall  162   b  of the shroud  161  and extending into and secured in the gap or space or region defined between the respective collars  164  and  165 . 
     The sleeve or tube  150  defines an interior hollow fluid-filled chamber or cavity  150   c . Further, the exterior circumferential wall of the sleeve or tube  150  defines a plurality of fluid flow orifices or through-holes  150   d  located in the region of the assembly  100  defining the second interior chamber  134   b  of the dampener module  110 . 
     A seal seat  166  is in the gap or space defined between the respective collars  164  and  165  and is positioned between the sleeve  150  and the collar  165 . 
     A stage 1 resistance helical spring  167  is in and extends longitudinally through the interior of the chamber  150   c  of the sleeve  150  in a relationship co-linear with the longitudinal axis of the pedal resistance assembly  100 . A first end  167   a  of the spring  167  surrounds and is abutted against the end  140   b  of the shaft  140  extending into the end  150   a  of the sleeve  150 . An opposed end  167   b  of the spring  167  is abutted against the closed end  162   a  of the resistance module  160  and surrounds the collar  164 . 
     A stage 2 resistance helical spring  168  is located in and extends longitudinally through the interior of the chamber  163  of the module  160  in a relationship co-linear with the longitudinal axis of the pedal resistance assembly  100  and further in a relationship surrounding and spaced from the sleeve  150  with a first end  168   a  abutted against a stage 2 resistance retainer  169  in the chamber  163  that surrounds and is slideable relative the sleeve  150  and an opposed end  168   b  abutted against the closed end  162   a  of the resistance module  160  and also surrounding the collar  165 . 
     The pedal resistance and dampener assembly  100  still further comprises a pedal force sensing module or member or assembly  170  comprising a force sensor plate  172  and a force sensor substrate  174  located at the closed end of the resistance module  160  and which are abutted against each other and are seated and located in the interior of a receptacle or recess  162   c  defined in the exterior face of the radial end wall  162   b  of the shroud  161  of the pedal resistance module  160 . 
     A cover  180  at the distal end of the resistance module  160  covers the end wall  162   b  of the shroud  161  and protects the resistance module  160  and the force module  170  from dust and other debris. 
     In one embodiment, the force sensor substrate  174  is in the embodiment of a strain gauge substrate with Wheatstone bridge strain gauge elements (not shown) mounted thereon as known in the art which are adapted to generate electrical signals in response to the deformation of the substrate in response to the application of a compressive force thereon by the force sensor plate  172  and the ball stud  123  in response to the movement of the dampener module  110  and the resistance module  160  relative to each other in response to the depression of the vehicle pedal  14 . In one embodiment, the force sensor substrate  174  and, more specifically, the strain gauge elements thereon, defines a pair of pedal force sensors for redundancy purposes. 
     The pedal force sensing module or member  170  further comprises the ball stud  123  that includes a collar  123   b  abutted against the exterior face of the force sensor plate  172  and the threaded shaft  123   a  that extends through a center hole  172   a  defined in the force sensor plate  172  and into the threaded interior of the collar  164  defined in the radial end wall  162   b  of the shroud  161  of the pedal resistance module  160 . The ball stud  123 , the collar  122   b , and the threaded shaft  123   a  are all positioned in a relationship co-linear with the longitudinal axis of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly  100 . 
     The pedal resistance and dampener assembly  100  still further comprises a combination pedal position and pedal force sensor/sensing connector assembly or module or member  200  including a pair of electrical connectors  210  coupled to and protruding outwardly from the exterior of the pedal resistance module  160  in a generally V-shaped configuration and relationship and, more specifically, in a relationship coupled to and protruding outwardly from the exterior face of the wall  162  of the shroud  161  of the pedal resistance module  160 . 
     The connector assembly  210  defines a pair of separate interior housings  220   a  and  220   b  for a pair of printed circuit boards  230   a  and  230   b  including a pair of position sensing integrated circuits or sensors  240   a  and  240   b  respectively such as for example a pair of Hall Effect ICs or sensors adapted for sensing a change in the magnitude or direction of a magnetic field generated by a pair of respective sensor magnets  250   a  and  250   b  embedded into the wall  132  of the sleeve  130  of the dampener module  110  in response to the movement of the dampener module  110  for sensing and measuring the position of the vehicle brake pedal  14 . In the embodiment shown, the respective magnets  250   a  and  250   b  are positioned in a relationship opposed and spaced from the respective Hall Effect ICs  240   a  and  240   b.    
     Thus, as described above, the assembly  100  includes a pair of pedal position sensors  240   a  and  240   b  for redundancy purposes. 
     Although not shown or described in any detail, it is understood that the pair of pedal position sensors defined by the pair of Hall Effect ICs  240   a  and  240   b  and the pair of pedal force sensors defined by the elements of the force sensor substrate  174  are respectively operably coupled to the pair of connectors  210   a  and  210   b  respectively. 
     The pedal resistance assembly  100  still further comprises a pedal wake-up sensor/sensing connector assembly or module  300  including a connector  310  coupled to and protruding outwardly from the exterior of the pedal resistance module  160  in a relationship diametrically opposed to the pedal position connector assembly  200  and, more specifically, in a relationship coupled to and protruding outwardly from the exterior of the wall  162  of the shroud  161  of the pedal resistance module  160 . In the embodiment shown, the connector assembly  310  defines an interior housing  320  for a printed circuit board  330  including a wake-up sensor IC  340  and other related electronics for providing an assembly wake-up function. 
     In the embodiment of the present invention, the dampener force module  110 , the pedal resistance module  160 , and the assembly wake-up module  170  of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly  100  are all positioned and oriented in a relationship co-linear with each other and the longitudinal axis of the resistance and dampener assembly  100  with the pedal resistance module  160  positioned between the dampener force module  110  at one end of the assembly  100  and the pedal force module  170  at the other end of the assembly  100 . 
     Moreover, in the embodiment of the present invention, the VER housing  157 , the pedal position sensor module  200  and the pedal force sensor module  300  are positioned and oriented in a relationship spaced and off-set from the longitudinal axis of the resistance and dampener assembly  100 . 
     Moreover, in the embodiment shown, the stage 1 outer pedal force resistance spring  155 , the stage 1 inner pedal force resistance spring  167 , the stage 2 pedal force resistance spring  168 , and the stage 3 pedal force resistance spring  154  are all positioned and oriented in a relationship co-linear with each other and the longitudinal axis of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly  100 . 
     Still further, in the embodiment shown, the stage 1 resistance outer spring  155  surrounds and is spaced from the stage 3 resistance spring  154  and both are located and positioned at one end of the assembly  100  between the end wall  131  of the dampener module  110  and the seal ring or piston  146  while the stage 2 resistance spring  168  surrounds and is spaced from the stage 1 resistance inner spring  167  and both are located and positioned at the opposed end of the assembly  100  between the end wall  162   b  of the resistance module  160  and the seal ring or piston  112 . 
     Thus, in the embodiment shown, the assembly  100  includes a total of four pedal force resistance springs with two such springs  154  and  155  located at one end of the assembly  100  and the other two such springs  167  and  168  located at the opposed end of the assembly  100  with the respective ring seals  112  and  146  positioned and located between and separating the springs  154  and  155  from the springs  167  and  168 . 
     Also, in the embodiment shown, the pedal force module  170  is located at one end of the assembly  100  and more specifically is located at the end of the resistance module  160 . 
     The pedal resistance and dampener assembly  100  is adapted to create and generate linear resistance and dampening forces on the pedal  14  in response to the travel or movement or stroke of the pedal  14  during operation of a vehicle with a brake-by-wire system for the purpose of emulating the resistance and dampening feel of a vehicle with a conventional vacuum or hydraulic braking system. 
       FIG. 4  depicts the elements of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly or module or member  100  in the rest or disengaged or non-braking position of the pedal  14  with the distal end  140   b  of the rod  140  of the dampening module  110  extending partially into the interior chamber or cavity  150   c  of the tube  150  of the resistance module  160 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts the stage 1 position of the elements of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly or module or member  100  in a first partially engaged or braking or depressed position of the pedal  14  which initially results in the linear movement of the dampener force module  110  and the spring pedal resistance module or member or assembly  160  relative to each other and, more specifically, the linear movement of the dampener force module  110  relative to the stationary spring resistance module  160  which results in the linear movement of the sleeve  130  and the rod  140  and the piston  112  of the module  110  relative to the shroud  161  and the sleeve  150  of the module  160  and more specifically the linear movement of the rod  140  inwardly into the interior of the sleeve  150  of the module  160  thereby resulting in a displacement/compression of the dampener fluid located and moving through the interior of the respective chambers  134   a ,  134   b , and  150   c  and the VER module  157  via the bore  140   c  in the rod  140  of the module  110  and the respective orifices  150   d  in the tube  150  of the module  160  to generate and create a dampening force on the pedal  14 . 
     More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5 a    in which the arrows depict the flow of dampener fluid through the assembly  100  during pedal engagement, the dampening fluid is located and flows through and into the fluid reservoir  157   a  and the fluid conduit  157   e  of the VER module  157 ; through and into the second interior chamber  134   b  of the dampener module  110  via the fluid conduit  157   e  in fluid flow communication with the second interior chamber  134   b  of the module  110 ; through and into the interior chamber  150   c  of the tube  150  of the module  160  via and through the plurality of orifices  150   d  in the tube  150  which are in fluid flow communication with both the second interior chamber  134   b  and the interior chamber  150   c  of the tube  150 ; from the chamber  150   c  through and into the bore  140   c  defined in the rod or shaft  140  of the dampener module  110  via and through the opening  140   e  in the radial end face of the rod or shaft  140 ; and into the first interior chamber  134   a  of the module  110  via and through the one or more fluid-flow orifices  140   d  extending between the central bore  140   c  and the exterior of the rod or shaft  140 . 
       FIG. 5  also depicts the initial stage 1 position of the assembly  100  and specifically the compression of the stage 1 outer resistance spring  155  between the ring  146  and dampener module wall  131  in response to the linear movement of the module  110  relative to the module  160  and also the initial linear compression of the stage 1 inner resistance spring  167  between the shroud wall  162   b  and the shaft end  140   b  to generate a first initial stage 1 resistance force on the pedal  14 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts the stage 2 position of the elements of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly or module or member  100  in a second further partially engaged or braking or depressed position of the pedal  14  which results in the further linear movement of the dampener force module  110  relative to the spring pedal resistance module or member or assembly  160  which results in the further linear movement of the sleeve  130  and the rod  140  and the piston  112  of the module  110  relative to the shroud  161  and the sleeve  150  of the module  160  and, more specifically, the further linear movement of the rod  140  inwardly into the interior of the sleeve  150  of the module  160  thereby resulting in a further displacement/compression of the dampener fluid located and moving through the interior of the respective chambers  134   a ,  134   b , and  150   c  and the VER module  157  to generate and create a further dampening force on the pedal  14 . 
       FIG. 6  also depicts the stage 2 position of the assembly  100  and, more specifically, the further compression of the stage 1 outer resistance spring  155  between the ring  146  and dampener module wall  131  in response to the further linear movement of the modules  110  and  160  relative to each other, the further linear compression of the stage 1 inner resistance spring  167  between the shroud wall  162   b  and the shaft end  140   b , and the linear compression of the stage 2 resistance spring  168  between the shroud wall  162   b  and the ring  112 , for the generation of a stage 2 resistance force on the pedal  14 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts the stage 3 position of the elements of the pedal resistance and dampener assembly or module or member  100  in the fully engaged or braking or depressed position of the pedal  14  which results from the still further linear movement of the dampener force module  110  relative to the spring pedal resistance module or member or assembly  160  which results in the still further linear movement of the shroud  161  of the resistance module  160  which in turn results in the still further linear movement of the sleeve  130  and the rod  140  and the piston  112  of the module  110  relative to the shroud  161  and the sleeve  150  of the module  160  and, more specifically, the still further linear movement of the rod  140  inwardly into the interior of the sleeve  150  of the module  160  thereby resulting in a still further displacement/compression of the dampener fluid located and moving through the interior of the respective chambers  134   a ,  134   b , and  150   c  and the VER module  157  to generate and create a still further dampening force on the pedal  14 . 
       FIG. 7  also depicts the still further compression of the stage 1 outer resistance spring  155  between the ring seal or piston  146  and dampener module wall  131  in response to the still further linear movement of the modules  110  and  160  relative to each other, the still further linear compression of the stage 1 inner resistance spring  167  between the shroud wall  162   b  and the shaft end  140   b , the further linear compression of the stage 2 spring between the shroud wall  162   b  and the piston  112 , and the linear compression of the stage 3 resistance spring  154  between the dampener piston  146  and the dampener module wall  131 , for the generation of a stage 3 resistance force on the pedal  14 . 
     Thus, it is understood from the description above that the respective springs  154 ,  155 ,  167 , and  168  are compressed (during pedal engagement) or de-compressed (during pedal disengagement) simultaneously in parallel during the full engagement or dis-engagement of the vehicle pedal  14  in a relationship with the two springs  155  and  167  being compressed or de-compressed simultaneously in parallel during a first portion of the linear movement of the modules  110  and  160  relative to each other as shown in  FIG. 5  and further in a relationship with all four springs  154 ,  155 ,  167 , and  168  being compressed or de-compressed simultaneously in parallel during additional portions of the movement of the modules  110  and  160  relative to each other as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
     It is understood that the dampener force on the pedal  14  can be adjusted by varying the amount of fluid in the fluid VER housing  157  which in turn adjusts the amount of dampener fluid in the respective chambers  134   a ,  134   b , and  150   c  which in turn results in a variance of the force required to move the module  110  relative to the module  160  which in turn results in a variance or adjustment of the dampening force applied to the pedal  14 . 
     It is further understood that the dampener force on the pedal can be adjusted by varying the size of the bore  140   c  in the rod  140  of the module  110  and the size of the orifices  150   c  defined in the wall of the tube  150  of the module  160  for either increasing or decreasing the velocity of the fluid flow therethrough which in turn increases or decreases the fluid pressures which in turn increases or decreases the dampener force on the pedal  14 . 
     It is understood that the linear movement of the resistance module  160  and the dampener module  110  relative to each other allows for the sensor  200  and, more specifically the pair of position sensors  240   a  and  240   b  to sense and measure the position of the dampener module  110  relative to the resistance module  160  thus allowing for the redundant sensing and measurement of the position of the vehicle pedal  14 . 
     It is further understood that the depression of the vehicle pedal  14  results in the exertion of a linear compressive force by the bracket  123  against the force application plate  172  of the force module  170  in response to the linear movement of the modules  110  and  160  relative to each other in response to the engagement of the pedal  14  which results in the deformation of the force substrate  174  which in turn results in the generation of a pair of redundant force signals for sensing and measuring the force applied to the vehicle pedal  14 . 
       FIGS. 9 through 12  depict another embodiment of a linear pedal resistance and dampener assembly or module or member  1000  in accordance with the present invention in which the same numerals as used in connection with the description and drawings relating to assembly  100  have been used to identify those elements in the assembly  1000  which are the same of the elements in the assembly  100  and thus the description of the elements and features of the assembly  100  are incorporated herein by reference in connection with the description of the elements and features of the assembly  1000 . 
     A description of the differences in the elements and features of the respective assemblies  100  and  1000  follows. 
     Initially, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the assembly  1000  includes an exterior accordion shaped boot or shroud  1010  that surrounds portions of the respective modules  110  and  160  and acts as debris cover. 
     Additionally, the module  110  incorporates an alternate seal or ring structure  1146  that incorporates a pair of internal one-way fluid relief valves  1146   a  and  1146   b . In accordance with this embodiment as shown more particularly in  FIG. 11 a   , the relief valves  1146   a  and  1146   b  are intended to allow for the one-way flow of dampener fluid directly from the second chamber  134   b  of the module  110  into the first chamber  134   a  of the module  110  when the pedal  14  is being returned from an engaged position to its rest or idle position for the purpose of reducing the dampening force on the pedal  14  during the disengagement portion of the travel of the pedal  14 . 
     Further, the module  110  includes a rod or shaft  140  that defines an interior chamber  140   c  terminating in an opening  140   e  in a radial end face of the rod or shaft  140  and further defining one or more orifices or apertures  140   d  in the exterior circumferential wall thereof and in fluid-flow communication with the interior chamber  140   c  and the chamber  134   a.    
     Thus, in the embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , and as more particularly shown in  FIG. 11 a    in which the arrows depict the flow of dampener fluid during pedal disengagement, the dampener fluid is adapted to flow through the assembly  1000  between and through the conduit  157   e  of the VER module  157  and the chamber  134   b  of the dampener module  110 ; between and through the chamber  134   b  of the dampener module  110  and the interior chamber  150   c  of the tube  150  of the resistance module  160  via the orifices  150   d  defined in the exterior circumferential wall of the tube  150 ; between and through the interior chamber  150   c  of the tube  150  of the resistance module  160  and the interior chamber  140   c  of the rod or shaft  140  in the dampener module  110  via the opening  140   e  defined in the radial end face of the rod or shaft  140 ; and between and through the rod or shaft  140  and the interior chamber  134   a  of the dampener module  110  via the one or more orifices or through-holes  140   d  defined in the exterior circumferential wall of the rod or shaft  140  of the dampener module  110 . 
     Still further, the module  160  incorporates a force sensor assembly or member  1170  comprising a strip force sensitive resistor  1174  located in the interior of the module  160  between the radial end wall  162   a  of the module  160  and a force sensor plate  1172  which is also located in the interior of the module  160  and is threadingly secured to the eyelet bracket  123  that is secured to the vehicle bracket/floor  12   b.    
     In accordance with this embodiment of the force sensor member  1170 , the relative movement between the respective modules  110  and  160  in response to the engagement or disengagement of the vehicle pedal  14  results in the application or removal of a compressive force by the plate  1172  on the force sensitive resistor  1174  which results in the deformation of the resistor  1174  and the generation of a pair of force sensor signals for sensing and measuring the force being applied to the pedal  14 . 
     Still further, the assembly  1000  incorporates an alternate embodiment of a combination pedal position and force sensor/sensing connector assembly or module or member  1200  including a pair of electrical connectors  1210   a  and  1210   b  coupled to and protruding outwardly from the exterior of the pedal resistance module  160  in a generally wing-shaped configuration and relationship and, more specifically, coupled to and protruding outwardly from the exterior face of the wall  162  of the shroud  161  of the pedal resistance module  160 . 
     The connector assembly  1200  defines a single interior housing  1220  for a pair of printed circuit boards  1230   a  and  1230   b  including a pair of position sensing integrated circuits or sensors  1240   a  and  1240   b  respectively such as for example respective Hall Effect sensor ICs adapted for sensing a change in the magnitude or direction of a magnetic field generated by a pair of respective magnets  1250   a  and  1250   b  embedded into the wall  132  of the sleeve  130  of the dampener module  110  in response to the movement of the modules  110  and  160  relative to each other for sensing and measuring the position of the vehicle brake pedal  14 . In the embodiment shown, the respective magnets  1250   a  and  1250   b  are positioned in a relationship opposed and spaced from the respective Hall Effect ICs  1240   a  and  1240   b . The assembly  1000  includes a pair of pedal position sensors  1240   a  and  1240   b  for redundancy purposes. 
     It is also understood that the pair of force sensor signals generated by the force sensitive resistor  1174  of the force sensor assembly  1170  are transferred to the vehicle control unit via the respective connectors  1210   a  and  1210   b.    
     Numerous other 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.