TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure described herein, in general, relates to brake pedal assembly to prevent intrusion of the assembly into the passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle and bias the movement of the brake pedal away from the driver in the event of a frontal offset impact collision. In particular, the present disclosure relates to collapsible brake pedal design, wherein collapse feature is functional during vehicle frontal offset collision.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] In the event of a frontal offset impact collision, components in the engine compartment are pushed rearward toward the passenger compartment, and in many cases, the larger components of the brake assembly intrude into the passenger compartment or cause the brake pedal and attendant linkages to move towards the driver and cause severe injury. Since during an event of a frontal offset impact collision, the driver tries to stop the vehicle by firmly pressing the brake pedal with his/her foot, a significant rearward movement of the brake pedal itself or other brake assembly components is likely to injure the driver's foot and/or leg and serves as a hindrance for the driver in getting out of the vehicle. In view of this, numerous collapsible brake pedal structures have been designed to prevent the brake pedal or other brake assembly components from intruding in a direction toward the passenger compartment in an event of a collision or an accident. In one such known collapsible brake pedal structure, when the brake pedal is being pushed in the direction of the passenger compartment due to larger collision force than the braking force, a release bracket attached with the pedal

bracket collides with a trigger bracket which is attached to the steering column of the vehicle and as a reaction of the collision, the release bracket comes in contact with a first lever which is engaged with a pivot shaft or spindle of the brake pedal and disengages it from the pivot shaft by driving it in counterclockwise or collision force direction. The disengagement of the first lever causes a second lever which is connected to a brake pedal arm to rotate in clockwise direction and prevents the brake pedal arm to intrude into the passenger compartment by providing sufficient torque.
[0004] However, such a collapsible brake pedal structure has several disadvantages. In the existing collapsible brake pedal, design of release bracket is uneven. Further, the colliding or striking point of the trigger bracket with the release bracket is such that the distance between the point of contact between the trigger bracket and the release bracket is more which results in trigger time delay. Further, the collision point is at overhang position which may result in bending of trigger bracket and eventually slippage of the release bracket from the trigger bracket. It is also observed that due to the structural design of the release bracket and large distance between the release bracket and the trigger bracket, the release bracket does not hit the first lever properly and in desired time, which delays the disengagement of the first lever. The second lever further has a low toggle angle which doesn't provide sufficient torque to efficiently prevent the brake pedal arm from intruding into the passenger compartment. Further, a stopper design integrated with the release bracket does not prevent brake pedal arm movement towards driver leg effectively.
[0005] In view of the above, there is a need to provide an improved collapsible brake pedal which is swift and efficient in working and mitigates the drawbacks associated with the existing collapsible brake pedal.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.

[0007] It is a general object of the present disclosure to provide an improved collapsible brake pedal structure for a vehicle which functions faster or quicker in an event of offset collision to restrict the movement of the brake pedal into the passenger compartment.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved collapsible brake pedal structure which efficiently or rigidly prevents the brake pedal from intruding into the passenger compartment.
[0009] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY
[0010] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a collapsible brake pedal structure for a vehicle. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0011] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a collapsible brake pedal structure for a vehicle. The structure comprises an acute-angled shape release bracket attached to a pedal bracket, a trigger bracket attached with a steering column and facing opposite to the release bracket in such a way that the release bracket strikes the trigger bracket at a point near to the mounting of the trigger bracket, and a brake pedal arm provided with a stopper bracket which engages with the trigger bracket during the collapse of the brake pedal arm. The stopper bracket is an L-shaped bracket welded with the brake pedal arm and is provided with the longitudinal bead structure at a bent portion. One end of the stopper bracket is connected with the brake pedal arm and the other end of the stopper bracket is provided with an edge protruding vertically towards the trigger bracket. The trigger bracket is formed with edges protruding vertically towards the release bracket. The edges of the trigger bracket engage with the edge of stopper bracket during the collapse of the brake pedal arm.

[0012] Further, in an aspect, the brake pedal arm is pivotally mounted on a pedal bracket through a pivot shaft, along with a first end of a first lever engaged to the pivot shaft and with a second end of the first lever pivotally connected to one end of a second lever. A second end, along with a spring, of the second lever is connected pivotally to the brake pedal arm.
[0013] The present invention thus is able to solve the technical problem to provide a collapsible brake pedal which is swift and efficient in working and mitigates the drawbacks associated with the existing collapsible brake pedal.
[0014] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawing. However, the drawing is illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0015] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figure in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0016] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figure. The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawing, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates the design of an existing collapsible pedal brake structure for a vehicle;

[0018] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a side view and top view of the connection of a release bracket and a trigger bracket of a collapsible brake pedal structure in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 2C shows a brake pedal arm with a stopper bracket attached to brake pedal arm in accordance with the present disclosure; and
[0020] FIG. 2D illustrates a second lever of the collapsible brake pedal structure having a spring attached to a second end of the second lever in accordance with the present invention.
[0021] The figure depicts embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0023] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0024] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As

used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0025] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0027] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an existing collapsible brake pedal structure 100 located in front of the driver's seat in a motor vehicle in a position to be operated by the foot of the driver. The collapsible brake pedal structure 100 comprises a brake pedal arm 102 provided at its lower end with a pedal pad 104, and a pedal bracket 106 having laterally spaced side walls, each side wall having an aperture sharing a common axis and for accommodating a pivot shaft 108. The pedal bracket 106 pivotally supports an upper end of the brake pedal arm 102 in a freely rotatable manner around the pivot shaft 108 as a rotational axis. On the pivot shaft 108, a first lever 110 is engaged with brake pedal arm 102 around pivot shaft 108. The pedal bracket 106 further supports a release bracket 112 which is having an abrupt V- shape.

[0028] A pushrod 114 is arranged between the brake pedal arm 102 and a brake servo booster 116. The brake servo booster 116 is usually a hydraulic brake servo which is mounted in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle and has an input member in the form of the pushrod 114 extending through a dash panel, firewall or front bulkhead separating an engine compartment from the passenger compartment to link the brake pedal arm 102 to the brake servo booster 116. The brake servo booster 116 facilitates in performing the braking operation. One end of the push rod 114 is pivoted with the help of fasteners to the center of a second lever 118 whose one end 118a is connected to the first lever 110 and the second end 118b is connected with the brake pedal arm 102 through the fasteners but not to be limited with nut-bolt, rivets. The second lever 118 is for frontward and rearward swing along with the brake pedal arm 102 in connection with the first lever 110.
[0029] The collapsible brake pedal structure 100 further comprises a trigger bracket 120 which is attached to the steering column of the vehicle with the help of fasteners such as nut-bolt, rivets, or welding and the like. The function of the trigger bracket 120 is to restrict the brake pedal arm 102 or other brake assembly components from intruding in a direction toward the passenger compartment. During an event of frontal offset vehicle collision, the impact, if of sufficient severity, will cause the push rod 114 of a valve body of the brake servo booster 116 to be thrust in rearward direction against the brake pedal arm 102, causing the brake pedal arm 102 to swing violently counterclockwise beyond its normal release position. The trigger bracket 120 prevents the brake pedal arm 102 from such excessive retraction movement and prevents the brake pedal arm 102 and pedal pad 104 from causing severe injury to the foot or leg of the driver. During vehicle collision, the release bracket 112 collides or strikes with the trigger bracket 120 and the release bracket 112 comes in contact with the first lever 110 and disengages it from the pivot shaft 108 by driving it in counterclockwise or collision force direction. The disengagement of the first lever 110 causes the second lever 118 to rotate in clockwise or braking force direction and prevents the

brake pedal arm 102 to intrude into the passenger compartment by providing sufficient torque.
[0030] However, such a collapsible brake pedal structure 100 has several disadvantages. The design of the release bracket 112 and the striking or colliding point of the trigger bracket 120 with the release bracket 112 are such that high chances of slippage prevail. Also, the distance between the trigger bracket 120 and the release bracket 112 at normal condition is more which results in trigger time delay. Because of this large distance, the release bracket 112 does not hit the first lever 110 properly and in desired time, which delays the disengagement of the first lever 110. The second lever 118 further has a low toggle angle which doesn't provide sufficient torque to efficiently prevent the brake pedal arm 102 from intruding into the passenger compartment and preventing any injury. In view of these disadvantages, there is a need for an improved collapsible brake pedal which overcomes the problem of the existing collapsible brake pedal structure 100.
[0031] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a collapsible brake pedal structure 200 in accordance with the present disclosure wherein a side view and a top view of a release bracket 202 with a trigger bracket 204 of the collapsible brake pedal structure 200 is shown. The collapsible brake pedal structure 200 comprises an acute-angled shaped release bracket 202 attached to a pedal bracket (not referenced) having a smooth surface. The smooth surface helps in avoiding force variation during collision. The collapsible brake pedal structure 200 further comprises a trigger bracket 204 which faces opposite to the release bracket 202 in such a way that the release bracket 202 strikes the trigger bracket 204 at a point near to the mounting of the trigger bracket 204. Such a feature prevents the bending of the trigger bracket 204 during contact with the release bracket 202. Also, with the new shape of the release bracket 202 and new striking point of the trigger bracket 204 with the release bracket 202, the distance between them is also reduced. This ultimately reduces the delay in the disengagement of the first lever (not referenced) from the pivot shaft (not referenced). The cross-section shape of

the trigger bracket 204 can be but not limited to L-shaped, C-shaped, U-shaped, box/closed shaped and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the trigger bracket 204 is a box/ closed shaped as shown in FIG 2B. The trigger bracket 204 is attached with steering column (not shown) via fasteners like nut-bolt, rivets, or welding and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the trigger bracket 204 is attached with steering column via nut-bolt as shown in the FIG. 2B. The trigger bracket 204 is formed with edges 204a protruding vertically towards the release bracket 202 as shown in FIG. 2A and 2B.
[0032] FIG. 2C shows a brake pedal arm 206 with a stopper bracket 208 attached to the brake pedal arm 206 in accordance with the present disclosure. The stopper bracket 208 is an L-shaped bracket, wherein one end of the stopper bracket 208 is connected with the brake pedal arm 206 and another end of the stopper bracket 208 is provided with an edge 208a protruding vertically towards the trigger bracket 204. The edges 204a of the trigger bracket 204 engages with the edge 208a of the stopper bracket 208 during the collapse of the brake pedal arm 206 thereby rigidly restricting the movement of the brake pedal arm 208 towards the driver. The provision of the edges 204a, 208a further doesn't leave a scope of slippage between the trigger bracket 204 and the stopper bracket 208. In a preferred embodiment, the stopper bracket 208 is welded with the brake pedal arm 206. The stopper bracket 208 is further provided with a longitudinal bead structure 208b at a bent portion to prevent its bending during the collision.
[0033] The release bracket 202 is also provided with integrated stopper bracket 209 to restrict the movement of the brake pedal arm 208 towards the driver and assist stopper bracket 208.
[0034] FIG. 2D shows the second lever 210 of the collapsible brake pedal structure 200 wherein a one end 212a of the second lever 210 is connected with the first lever (not shown) and a second end 212b of the second lever 210 have a spring 214 attached to it. The spring 214 helps in providing a larger toggle angle which provides sufficient torque to efficiently prevent the brake pedal arm 206 from intruding into the passenger compartment and preventing any injury.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0035] The present disclosure provides a collapsible brake pedal structure for a vehicle which functions faster or quicker in an event of offset collision to restrict the movement of the brake pedal into the passenger compartment.
[0036] The present disclosure provides a collapsible brake pedal structure which efficiently or rigidly prevents the brake pedal from intruding into the passenger compartment.
[0037] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

We claim:
1.A collapsible brake pedal structure (200) for a vehicle, the structure
comprising:
an acute-angled shaped release bracket (202) attached to a pedal bracket; and
a trigger bracket (204) attached with a steering column and facing opposite to the release bracket (202) in such a way that the release bracket (202) strikes the trigger bracket (204) at a point near to the mounting of the trigger bracket (204); and
a brake pedal arm (206) provided with a stopper bracket (208) which engages with the trigger bracket (204) during the collapse of the brake pedal arm (206).
2.The structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stopper bracket (202) is an L-shaped bracket, and wherein one end of the stopper bracket (208) is connected with the brake pedal arm (206) and another end of the stopper bracket (208) is provided with an edge (208a) protruding vertically towards the trigger bracket (204).
3.The structure (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the stopper bracket (208) is welded with the brake pedal arm (206).
4.The structure (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the stopper bracket (208) is provided with a longitudinal bead structure (208b) at a bent portion.
5.The structure (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the trigger bracket (204) is formed with edges (204a) protruding vertically towards the release bracket (202), and wherein the edges (204a) of the trigger bracket (204) engages with the edge (208a) of stopper bracket (208) during the collapse of the brake pedal arm (206).
6.The structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross-section shape of the trigger bracket (204) is selected from the group comprising of substantially L-shaped, C-shaped, U-shaped, and box/closed shaped structure.

7.The structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a stopper bracket (209) is provided integrated with the release bracket (202) to restrict movement of the brake pedal arm (206) towards driver and assist stopper bracket (208).