Next-Generation Pedal: Integration of Sensors in a Braking Pedal for a Full Brake-by-Wire System.

This article presents a novel approach to designing and validating a fully electronic braking pedal, addressing the growing integration of electronics in vehicles. With the imminent rise of brake-by-wire (BBW) technology, the brake pedal requires electronification to keep pace with industry advancements. This research explores technologies and features for the next-generation pedal, including low-power consumption electronics, cost-effective sensors, active adjustable pedals, and a retractable pedal for autonomous vehicles. Furthermore, this research brings the benefits of the water injection technique (WIT) as the base for manufacturing plastic pedal brakes towards reducing cost and weight while enhancing torsional stiffness. Communication with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) has provided valuable insights and feedback, facilitating a productive exchange of ideas. The findings include two sensor prototypes utilizing inductive technology and printed-ink gauges. Significantly, reduced power consumption was achieved in a Hall-effect sensor already in production. Additionally, a functional BBW prototype was developed and validated. This research presents an innovative approach to pedal design that aligns with current electrification trends and autonomous vehicles. It positions the braking pedal as an advanced component that has the potential to redefine industry standards. In summary, this research significantly contributes to the electronic braking pedal technology presenting the critical industry needs that have driven technical studies and progress in the field of sensors, electronics, and materials, highlighting the challenges that component manufacturers will inevitably face in the forthcoming years.

A Robust Technique for Polymer Damping Identification Using Experimental Transmissibility Data.

This paper presents a robust method to estimate polymers' damping, based on modal identification methods on frequency functions. The proposed method presents great advantages compared to other traditional methods such as the HPB method for polymeric materials where high damping or noise levels can limit their use. Specifically, this new method is applied on an experimental transmissibility function measured in a composite cantilever beam and the complex modulus is determined as a function of frequency. From this, a regenerated function is obtained based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, and it is compared with experimental data. It can be concluded that the best way to apply the curve-fitting method for further testing of polymeric materials is when it is used with the whole frequency range by means of the MDOF method considering the residuals. In addition, this has the added advantage that the number of experimental tests to be carried out is much lower compared to using the SDOF method.