In a recent study, an innovative product called the "Automobile Brake Pedal Recorder" has been invented by a research team led by Prof. KONG Deyi from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS) of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) to address the growing concern of accidents caused by braking issues, especially in electric vehicles.
"Currently, the detection of driver brake actions in new energy vehicles relies primarily on the stroke of the brake pedal. However, when the brake pedal locks up, the driver's action of pressing the pedal goes undetected," said Prof. KONG Deyi, "our invention effectively overcomes this deficiency."
The Brake Pedal Recorder serves as a brake "black box" that captures real-time data related to the driver's brake pedal behavior. It records essential information such as the time, strength, and frequency of each instance when the brake pedal is pressed. This data is securely stored on a memory card. By utilizing the recorded information, it becomes possible to reconstruct the driver's braking actions during an accident. This provides valuable insights into whether the driver applied the brakes with sufficient force, duration, and frequency, helping to determine if accidents occurred due to driver error or actual brake system malfunctions.
The recorder has a robust data storage capability, allowing it to preserve brake-related information for several years. Even in the event of a power outage, the recorded data remains intact due to its resilience against power failures. Additionally, advanced encryption ensures the stored data is protected against tampering, making it reliable third-party evidence.
One notable feature of the Brake Pedal Recorder is its affordability and user-friendliness. It can be easily installed directly onto the brake pedal without compromising driving safety or affecting the driver's foot sensation while operating the brakes. This simplicity and effectiveness make it a practical solution for enhancing safety in new energy vehicles and resolving disputes between drivers and automobile manufacturers regarding braking incidents.
This technology will help to address controversies related to brake systems effectively, according to the team.
Automobile Brake Pedal Recorder captures real-time data related to the driver's brake pedal behavior (Image by KONG Deyi)