Abstract: Embodiments herein are directed to a pedal assembly. The pedal assembly includes a housing, a pedal arm, at least one elongated member, and at least one strain gauge sensor. The pedal arm has a pedal pad on one end. The at least one elongated member is positioned within a cavity and configured to deflect upon a movement by the pedal arm caused from a load applied to the pedal pad. The at least one strain gauge sensor is positioned in communication with the at least one elongated member and configured to sense an amount of the deflection of the at least one elongated member. When the load is applied to the pedal pad, the pedal arm moves and deflects the at least one elongated member, which is sensed by the respective at least one strain gauge sensor indicative of an amount of load applied to the pedal pad.

Abstract: Provided is a portable apparatus for measuring a manipulation force. The apparatus includes a manipulation force measurement unit configured to measure a manipulation force applied on a manipulated part in a first direction of pushing forward or pulling backward and measure a manipulation force in a second direction of moving toward left or right, and a controller configured to process the measured manipulation force to generate manipulation force information over time.

Abstract: A vehicle is received in a stationary controlled area of a controlled testing environment. Simulation inputs corresponding to a simulated scene are generated and transmitted to the vehicle. The vehicle applies torque in response. A vehicle control mechanism of the controlled testing environment, such as a chassis dynamometer, a motorized treadmill, or a lift, keeps the vehicle within the stationary controlled area during the test despite the torque applied by the vehicle. A path of the vehicle within the simulated scene is determined based on the applied torque, based upon which the vehicle's navigation system is calibrated.

Abstract: A sensor system for monitoring a condition of a piston rod includes an interrogator system having a first coil winding coupled to a housing and radially spaced from the piston rod such that a gap is defined between the first coil winding and the piston rod. A second coil winding is coupled to the piston rod and is inductively coupled to the first coil winding. The second coil winding is configured to communicate with the first coil winding through a range of linear movement of the piston rod relative to the housing. A sensor is coupled to the second coil winding. The sensor is configured to measure a characteristic associated with the piston rod and generate a current in the second coil winding to transmit, via the inductive coupling with the first coil winding, an electrical output signal associated with the characteristic to the interrogator system.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the braking performance of a vehicle. The method includes, for at least some of the braking events: determining a braking demand; determining vehicle deceleration; defining a first data set of braking events, wherein each braking event in the data set includes a determined braking demand and a determined vehicle deceleration; applying a statistical trend analysis method to the data set to generate a vehicle deceleration and braking demand trend; providing a vehicle deceleration and braking demand reference; and comparing at least one trend value with at least one reference value. From this comparison it is possible to determine if the braking system is operating within an acceptable limit. Apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to testing and evaluation of motorised wheeled vehicles and the evaluation of drivers of motorised wheeled vehicles including a system for evaluation of driver braking performance. The system may include a driver measuring unit including a force measuring means being operative to generate force measurement data representative of force applied by the driver to the brake applicator and a communication means, a vehicle measuring unit having a motion measuring means adapted to determine vehicle measurements and a communication means, and a processor unit having a display screen, and communications means, wherein the processor unit is operative to receive via the communications means the force measurement data generated by the driver measuring unit and the vehicle measurement data generated by the vehicle measuring unit, and generate brake test result metrics therefrom for display on the display screen.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the braking performance of a vehicle. The method includes, for at least some of the braking events: determining a braking demand; determining vehicle deceleration; defining a first data set of braking events, wherein each braking event in the data set includes a determined braking demand and a determined vehicle deceleration; applying a statistical trend analysis method to the data set to generate a vehicle deceleration and braking demand trend; providing a vehicle deceleration and braking demand reference; and comparing at least one trend value with at least one reference value. From this comparison it is possible to determine if the braking system is operating within an acceptable limit. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring an amount of force required to apply a mechanical parking brake of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a body adapted for mounting to a parking brake lever of the type which is manually pivotable about an axis to apply a parking brake. First and second force sensors are disposed on the body at different distances from a pivot axis of the lever when the body is mounted to the lever. The force sensors measure force applied to a lower surface of the lever to cause the lever to pivot when the lever is pulled upward to apply the parking brake. An angle sensor is disposed on the body and measures an actuation angle through which the lever pivots about the pivot axis during application of the parking brake. An electronic unit reads respective first and second forces applied to the force sensors during pivoting of the lever, calculating therefrom an effective actuation force applied at a reference point on the lever, and associates the effective actuation force with the actuation angle.

Abstract: A vehicle pedal device including a transmission member that transmits an operation force applied to a pedal, a reaction force lever that is disposed on the transmission member so that the reaction force lever pivots about a predetermined axis, and that outputs the operation force transmitted to the transmission member to a brake device against a biasing force of a load spring, and a depressing force detector that is fixedly attached to a pedal arm of the pedal or to a sub lever coupled to the pedal arm and that receives a reaction force of the reaction force lever to detect the operation force applied to the pedal, the depressing force detector being configured to have a positioning pin projecting from the depressing force detector, the pedal arm of the pedal or the sub lever coupled to the pedal arm being configured to have a positioning pin insertion hole in which the positioning pin of the depressing force detector is inserted, the depressing force detector being configured to be fixed to the pedal arm or

Abstract: A kick-down element for a vehicle, complete with a housing, an actuator that is fastened in the housing such that it can be moved axially and a force surge element that can be moved axially in the actuator and which is axially loaded by an elastic element. There is a plate-shaped protruding part on at least one housing panel, which runs perpendicular to the movement direction and the upper end of which runs diagonally downward. The force step element interacts with at least one roller, which is located between the protruding part and a wedgeshaped (9) of the force surge element in a resting position. The kick-down element is intended to allow for a relatively long travel path for the actuator in the most compact design possible. This is achieved by keeping the roller attached to a lower end of the actuator.

Abstract: A robotic applique assembly for incorporation into a manually controlled vehicle to provide unmanned operational capability to the vehicle includes an assembly body configured to be positioned into the vehicle in substantially the same area occupied by a user of the vehicle. The assembly body can have a series of segments including a torso segment, a bench segment and a leg segment. The segments are pivotally coupled one to another to allow adjustment of position of the segments relative to one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for testing the strength of a human foot. The device includes a substantially planar member having a top surface and a bottom surface. The device also includes a foot-engaging member moveable along the top surface substantially planar member from a first position to a second position. In addition, the device includes a force sensor fixed with respect to the substantially planar member, where the force sensor resists movement between the first position and the second position. Further, the device includes a tension bearing element connecting the foot-engaging member to the force sensor.

Abstract: A pedal operation amount detection apparatus for an operation pedal apparatus that includes a transmitting member including a pedal arm of an operation pedal that is disposed to be pivotable about a support axis and subjected to a depressing operation, and an output member to which a depressing operation force is transmitted from the transmitting member and to which a reaction force corresponding to the depressing operation force is applied, the pedal operation amount detection apparatus includes a sensor member disposed on a load transmission path of the transmitting member and the reaction force and the pedal operation amount detection apparatus electrically detects deformation of the sensor member. The sensor member is an elongate member that is torsionally and elastically deformable about a torsion center line in a longitudinal direction and is disposed at a position offset from the transmitting member in a direction parallel to the support axis.

Abstract: A pedal operation amount detection apparatus comprises: a transmitting member; a pivot lever provided on the transmitting member; and a deformable body, the pedal operation amount detection apparatus electrically detecting a pedal operation amount based on a deformation of the deformable body, the deformable body is fixed to the transmitting member, a sensor rod is fixedly fitted to the deformable body so as to extend upright relative to the deformable body, an elastic member is provided across the sensor rod and the pivot lever so as to be connected to each other, so that the pedal operating force or a reaction force corresponding to the pedal operating force is transmitted from the pivot lever to the sensor rod via the elastic member, and the sensor rod is passed, with a play, through the pivot lever so that the play allows the pivot lever to pivot.

Abstract: Devices and methods for testing the brake system of a vehicle. Embodiments of the invention generally include an extendable rod that is adapted for removable installation between the steering wheel and brake pedal of a vehicle whose brake system is to be tested. Manual depression of the brake pedal with the device in place causes an extension of the extendable rod, the magnitude of which is measured by an associated sensor as brake pedal travel. A force sensor is provided to detect the amount of force applied to the brake pedal by a user's foot during testing. A controller receives signals from the sensors and determines whether the brake system passes the test. The controller may be coupled to an on-board diagnostics connector of the vehicle to receive and analyze other vehicle data, and to read the VIN of the vehicle.

Abstract: A brake pedal simulator apparatus for a vehicle for implementing a change in a foot effort applied to a brake pedal for each stroke, may include a pedal arm including one end hinge-connected to one side of a frame and the other end in which a pad may be mounted, a link unit including a plurality of links mutually connected between the frame and the pedal arm, and an elastic member elastically supporting the link unit and configured to form reaction force by elastic force in the pedal arm according to the each stroke by the foot effort applied to the pedal arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is an installation structure of a pedal stroke sensor configured to measure a displacement of a moving member interworking according to a stepping force of a brake pedal.

Abstract: Devices and methods for testing the brake system of a vehicle. Embodiments of the invention generally include an extendable rod that is adapted for removable installation between the steering wheel and brake pedal of a vehicle whose brake system is to be tested. Manual depression of the brake pedal with the device in place causes an extension of the extendable rod, the magnitude of which is measured by an associated sensor as brake pedal travel. A force sensor is provided to detect the amount of force applied to the brake pedal by a user's foot during testing. A controller receives signals from the sensors and determines whether the brake system passes the test. The controller may be coupled to an on-board diagnostics connector of the vehicle to receive and analyze other vehicle data, and to read the VIN of the vehicle.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a brake cable tensioning system and method. In one embodiment, the system generally comprises a sensor mounted on a support structure for engagement with the cable in sensing a load applied thereby on the sensor, and a tensioning tool for adjusting a tension of the cable responsive to the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for use with a master cylinder is described. The master cylinder comprises an input-side activation element to which a signal transmitter element is coupled. The sensor module comprises a travel sensor for sensing travel carried out by the activation element, and a position sensor for sensing when a predefined position of the activation element is reached.

Abstract: A portable measurement apparatus is provided for measuring the load required to depress a foot pedal and the change in angular position of the foot pedal. A load plate is connected through at least one load cell to a pedal plate that engages a foot pedal. A linear motion driver is adjustably retained on the measurement apparatus to accommodate different types of foot pedals. A rotary encoder with an extendable cable is used to measure scrub throughout the range of movement of the foot pedal.

Abstract: A stroke sensor abnormality determining apparatus includes a stroke sensor for detecting a stroke of a brake pedal by detecting an electric signal that varies in response to the stroke of the brake pedal, a deceleration calculating unit for calculating a total target value, which is correlated with a target deceleration of a vehicle, based on at least the stroke, and an abnormality determining unit for determining whether or not an abnormality of the stroke sensor occurs, based on the electric signal detected by the stroke sensor, the abnormality determining unit being configured so that a signal indicating the abnormality of the stroke sensor can be outputted when the abnormality is determined to have occurred in the stroke sensor.

Abstract: A connecting element connects a brake pedal to a brake force amplifier of a vehicle brake system. A helical compression spring as a first spring element and a rubbery-elastic reaction disk as a second spring element are disposed between a pedal rod and a piston rod of the connecting element, the spring elements being installed in series due to the arrangement thereof. Due to the higher spring rate of the reaction disk preferably increasing with load, the connecting element has a progressive spring characteristic line. As soon as the pedal rod contacts the reaction disk the helical compression spring and the reaction disk act in parallel and serially such that the progression of the total spring characteristic line further increases.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring pressure in a pressure regulation unit of a motor vehicle braking system, without using pressure sensors and having a motor pump unit with an electric motor and a hydraulic pump. The steps include producing a relative motor characteristic diagram for a series of the units. The diagram includes the data of motor-rotational-speed-dependent parameters, intensity of the motor actuation, and parameters relating to the level of the motor load. Further steps include; determining individual motor characteristic variables, determining a current rotational-speed-dependent parameter of an individual motor during the operation of the pump, and calculating a pressure which is characteristic of the braking system, by means of the diagram parameter of the individual motor and the value of the current motor actuation which determines the intensity of the motor actuation, wherein the individual motor characteristic variables are taken into account.

Abstract: In a brake system, when setting a control origin position for a resolver for detecting a moved position of a booster piston, communication between a master cylinder and wheel cylinders is interrupted by cut valves. Thereafter, the booster piston is moved forward by an electric actuator in a direction in which a hydraulic pressure is generated so that a position detected by the resolver upon detection of generation of the hydraulic pressure by a hydraulic pressure sensor (position at a time of generation of hydraulic pressure) is obtained. A position obtained by moving backward the position at the time of generation of hydraulic pressure by a predetermined amount is set as the control origin position.

Abstract: A pedal prop for imposing a load on a brake pedal, in particular in motor vehicles, in order to apply the pressure necessary during sealing tests on components of the brake system, comprising a movable part, which changes the length of the pedal prop by moving in and out, and a fixed part, wherein the movable part is supported on a point of support on the motor vehicle. According to the invention, an evaluation and control unit is provided as an integrated element, which controls an actuator in order to provide an actuating force, wherein a displacement sensor and a force sensor are provided, by which a travel and an actuating force of the actuator can be sensed.

Abstract: A stroke sensor abnormality determining apparatus includes a stroke sensor for detecting a stroke of a brake pedal by detecting an electric signal that varies in response to the stroke of the brake pedal, a deceleration calculating unit for calculating a total target value, which is correlated with a target deceleration of a vehicle, based on at least the stroke, and an abnormality determining unit for determining whether or not an abnormality of the stroke sensor occurs, based on the electric signal detected by the stroke sensor, the abnormality determining unit being configured so that a signal indicating the abnormality of the stroke sensor can be outputted when the abnormality is determined to have occurred in the stroke sensor.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement measures the application force of a disc brake. The arrangement includes two disc brake components displaceable relative to each other upon application of the force; an application force sensor having a housing; a measuring object formed by one of the two components and having a metal end face for interacting with the application force sensor in a contact-free manner, and an evaluation unit. The application force sensor is an eddy current sensor for capturing a displacement along the path. The evaluation unit converts the captured displacement into a measurement variable as a measure for the application force. The application force sensor and the measurement object are removably mounted on the respective component.

Abstract: In a pedal operation amount detecting apparatus, a brake pedal and a crevice fixed to an end portion of an operation rod are rotatably coupled by a coupling shaft, a bush is interposed between the brake pedal and the coupling shaft, and detectors are mounted on an outer peripheral surface of a bush body, which is elastically deformable, in the bush, and an ECU estimates an angle between the brake pedal and the operation rod based on a ratio between distortion loads detected by the detectors, and calculates an operation amount of the brake pedal, that is to say, pedal force and a pedal stroke, based on the angle, thereby enabling to improve mountability by simplifying a configuration and to detect the operation amount with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A pedal operation amount detecting apparatus detects a pedal operation amount based on a load applied by a rotating operation of an operating pedal between the operating pedal and a connecting shaft which rotatably connects the operating pedal and a connecting member connected at an end portion of an operating rod. The pedal operation amount detecting apparatus includes a load transfer member arranged between a connecting hole of the operating pedal and the connecting shaft and capable of transferring a load from the operating pedal to the connecting shaft, and a load detecting unit arranged on the load transfer member and capable of transferring the load from the operating pedal and of detecting a compressive load applied by a surface of the load transfer member and one of an inner circumferential surface of the connecting hole and an outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element connecting a brake pedal to a brake force amplifier of a vehicle brake system. The invention proposes to dispose a helical compression spring as a first spring element and a rubbery-elastic reaction disk as a second spring element between a pedal rod and a piston rod of the connecting element, the spring elements being installed in series due to the arrangement thereof Due to the higher spring rate of the reaction disk preferably increasing with load, the connecting element has a progressive spring characteristic line. According to the invention, as soon as the pedal rod contacts the reaction disk the helical compression spring and the reaction disk act in parallel and serially such that the progression of the total spring characteristic line further increases.

Abstract: A manipulation simulator including an input member which moves in response to a driver's braking operation; a reaction force generation device which generates a reaction force according to an amount of deformation; an output member which deforms the reaction force generation device; and a transmission device between the input member and the output member, which transmits a reaction force of the reaction force generation device to the input member via the output member. The input member moves rectilinearly; the reaction force generation device generates a reaction force linearly according to its deformation amount; the transmission device converts the input member rectilinear motion to a rotary motion that is transmitted to the output member; and the ratio of the amount of output member motion to the amount of input member motion is varied continuously and nonlinearly according to the amount of input member motion.

Abstract: A brake system fault pedal gain change method and system for brake pedal simulator equipped vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles is provided. In the event of a brake system booster fault, the method alerts the driver by way of tactile feedback. Additionally, the disclosed method provides a controlled means to gradually increase required brake pedal force during a brake system fault to avoid an abrupt change in brake pedal force when the brake system boost is depleted.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring wear-induced displacement of a brake lining with respect to an associated brake caliper, comprising a gear mechanism for converting the wear-induced displacement into a rotary movement, having a sensor for detecting the rotary movement, wherein a contact-free coupling is provided for transmitting the rotary movement to the sensor. The apparatus is designed in such a way that the sensor generates an analogue or pulse-width-modulated detection signal for determining the wear-induced displacement of the brake lining, wherein the detection signal corresponds to the respective displacement caused by the rotary movement. The invention also related to a corresponding method for measuring the wear-induced displacement of a brake lining with respect to an associated brake caliper.

Abstract: A device for detecting the amount of pedal operation, in which a brake pedal (11) and a crevice (16) fixed to an end of an operation rod (15) are rotatably connected together by a connection shaft (18), a bush (22) is placed between a connection hole (21) of the brake pedal (11) and the connection shaft (18), and detectors (24, 25) are installed on the outer peripheral surface of the bush (23). Each detector (24, 25) detects a load applied between the pedal (11) and the connection shaft (18) by rotational movement of the brake pedal (11). A calculation circuit (26) calculates pedal depression force based on the load detected by each detector (24, 25). The structure of the device is simplified to improve easiness of mounting and to enhance reliability.

Abstract: In a pedal operation amount detecting apparatus, a brake pedal and a crevice fixed to an end portion of an operation rod are rotatably coupled by a coupling shaft, a bush is interposed between the brake pedal and the coupling shaft, and detectors are mounted on an outer peripheral surface of a bush body, which is elastically deformable, in the bush, and an ECU estimates an angle between the brake pedal and the operation rod based on a ratio between distortion loads detected by the detectors, and calculates an operation amount of the brake pedal, that is to say, pedal force and a pedal stroke, based on the angle, thereby enabling to improve mountability by simplifying a configuration and to detect the operation amount with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A brake tester and method testing brakes uses an elongated member that has an extended position and retracted position. The elongated member is installed between the brake pedal of a vehicle and a base and can be extended and retracted by a user from outside the vehicle using a remote. The tester is preferably used to test air brakes and is powered electronically and by air under pressure. The tester can be made to operate under electrical power alone, without pneumatic pressure.

Abstract: A brake system fault pedal gain change method and system for brake pedal simulator equipped vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles is provided. In the event of a brake system booster fault, the method alerts the driver by way of tactile feedback. Additionally, the disclosed method provides a controlled means to gradually increase required brake pedal force during a brake system fault to avoid an abrupt change in brake pedal force when the brake system boost is depleted.

Abstract: In an integrated pressure sensor with a high full-scale value, a monolithic body of semiconductor material has a first and a second main surface, opposite and separated by a substantially uniform distance. The monolithic body has a bulk region, having a sensitive portion next to the first main surface, upon which pressure acts. A first piezoresistive detection element is integrated in the sensitive portion and has a variable resistance as a function of the pressure. The bulk region is a solid and compact region and has a thickness substantially equal to the distance.

Abstract: A pedal positioning apparatus has a ratcheting assembly that includes a handle, a shaft, an attachment arm that extends from the handle and at least one trigger. The pedal positioning apparatus also includes a lever arm having a first end and a second end. The lever arm is pivotally connected to the handle at one end and also includes a pedal hooking feature at the other end. The pedal positioning apparatus further includes a bracket connected to the bar to support a pedal-contacting pad.

Abstract: A brake force measurement system comprises at least one sensor configured to generate an output indicative of a force applied by to a first braking member associated with a rotatable wheel of a vehicle by a second braking member. The second braking member may be an actual brake pad or a substitute pad plate or member. In one embodiment, the sensor is a load cell configured to measure force applied by the pad or substitute pad member to a rotor of a brake mechanism associated with each wheel of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the sensor output is input to a processing unit configured to display brake force information in human-readable form, such as by an alpha-numeric display displaying brake force at each wheel in various units of measure or percentage of brake force at one or more wheels.

Abstract: A force-on-pedal sensor of the present invention includes a cylindrical substrate (11) whose one end is closed having: a hole part (11d) at a center of its side section (11c); and a strain resistance element (13) via an insulating layer (12) at its side section (11c), a coil spring (15) coaxially inserted from an open end of the substrate (11), an inputting shaft having a stepped part (14a) contacted with one end of the coil spring (15) and inserted in the hole part (11d) in such a manner that a part of the inputting shaft (14) is protruded from the hole part (11d), and a stopper at a position where the inputting shaft (14) is protruded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an accelerator pedal for a motor vehicle, especially one with an automatic gearbox. The pedal includes a pedal arm which in one end area thereof is pivotally mounted about a pivoting axis and which in the other end thereof is provided with a pedal plate which can be impinged upon the force by the driver. When force is exerted upon the pedal plate, the pedal arm can be pivoted into an absolute final position when a kick down switch is actuated, wherein a signal can be produced by the kick down switch and can be fed to a control electronics system. The kick down switch comprises a permanent magnet, the magnet force thereof being used to retain a magnetically conducting component on a magnetic return element whereby the component can be moved away from the magnetic return element as a result of the movement of the pedal arm into an end position.

Abstract: A fixture supports a brake pedal tester on a floor pan of an automotive vehicle. Locking pins are mounted on the fixture. The locking pins are adapted to extend into locating holes in the floor pan. The brake pedal tester is mounted on the fixture forwardly of the locking pins. The locking pins have notches engageable with edges of the locating holes to prevent the fixture from lifting up when the tester is operated. A locating pin on the fixture rearwardly of the locking pins is adapted to extend into another locating hole in the floor pan.

Abstract: A sensor module including a processing unit, a stroke sensor and a force sensor (3) for obtaining data relating to both a force exerted on an axially-moving rod (1) and the travel of the rod through a determination of the position of the piston (2) with respect to the rod (1). The sensor module is characterized by a first stationary electrical coil (5) that is arranged about the piston (2) and the rod (1) and a second moving electrical coil (6) that is disposed about the rod (1) and connected to the force sensor (3). The first (5) and second (6) coils are coaxial and as a result induced oscillatory voltage within the stationary coil (5) generates an eddy current within the piston (2) that permit a measurement of the stroke of the piston (2) by means of eddy-current signal received by the stroke sensor using the piston (2) as a test body, and supplying the force sensor with electrical power through the second moving electrical coil (6).

Abstract: In a method for the diagnosis of a sensor, in particular a pedal-travel sensor of a motor vehicle, a first signal (S1) and at least one second equivalent signal (S2) are delivered. If the second signal (S2) is time-delayed with respect to the first signal (S1), at least the previous curve of the first signal (S1) and/or the previous curve of the second signal (S2) is taken into account.

Abstract: A method and apparatus conduct a performance evaluation test for a vehicle in which an actuator that applies a depressing force to a control member to be operated by a vehicle operator is controlled by a controller. The controller controls the actuator to automatically apply the depressing force to the control member for conducting a performance evaluation test for the vehicle, and changes control of the actuator in accordance with an actual state of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electromechanical brake tightening device for a rail vehicle, includes a brake actuator to apply and release brakes. The actuator has a power converter to convert energy supplied by the brake actuator to a brake application movement. The power converter includes a shear force measuring bolt and/or a brake lever, arranged in a power transmission path of the converter to measure braking power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a vehicle performance evaluation test by automatically depressing a control member of the vehicle to be depressed by a vehicle operator uses an actuator of a vehicle performance evaluation test apparatus. The actuator depresses the control member, the actuator having a first end and a second end. The first end of the actuator is fixed to a seat of the vehicle. The second end of the actuator is engaged with the control member of the vehicle. The actuator is caused to exert a depressing force to depress the control member relative to the seat so as to automatically depress the control member.

Abstract: A method of generating an error signal (F) in a motor vehicle having a brake actuating means (16) that is actuatable by the vehicle's driver, through which a brake system is activated, and detection means (16a), through which actuation of the brake actuating means (16) is detected, a gas pedal (18), a gas pedal position detector (18a), wherein a time at which the gas pedal is released (T0) is determined, a vehicle deceleration (av) is determined, which represents the longitudinal deceleration of the vehicle, a braking status (BSon/off) is determined, which represents the operating status of the brake actuating means (16a), an elapsed time since gas pedal release (Telapse) is monitored, and an error signal (F) is generated as a function of the vehicle deceleration (av), the elapsed time (Telapse), and the braking status (BSon/off).