Multi-State Actuating Device for Commercial Vehicle Brake Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing brake systems for vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles, are complex and not intuitive to operate, with multiple functions such as trailer control, trailer braking, and stretch braking being confusing for drivers and requiring separate control elements.
Innovation Solution
An actuating device that can be switched into multiple states using a single operating element, incorporating electronic systems and control electronics to simplify the operation of these functions, reducing the need for multiple control elements and saving space on the dashboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control elements are provided for different brake functions (trailer control, trailer braking, stretch braking), then each function can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases and the dashboard space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single control element to perform multiple brake control functions. The control element can switch between vehicle parking brake control, trailer parking brake control, and stretch braking functions through different switching states, eliminating the need for multiple separate control elements while maintaining full functional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single control element. By combining vehicle brake control, trailer brake control, and stretch braking functions into one unified control interface, the system reduces dashboard clutter and simplifies the overall control architecture while preserving all necessary brake management capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control elements are provided for different brake functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the dashboard space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is designed with multi-functionality to handle vehicle parking brake control, trailer parking brake control, and stretch braking functions through different switching states, thereby reducing the number of control elements needed on the dashboard and freeing up valuable dashboard space
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple brake control functions are merged into a single control element interface, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate controls into one unified component, thus minimizing the space occupied on the dashboard while maintaining full functional capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control elements are provided for different brake functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is designed with multi-functionality to handle vehicle parking brake control, trailer parking brake control, and stretch braking functions through different switching states, thereby reducing the number of control elements needed on the dashboard and freeing up valuable dashboard space
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple brake control functions are merged into a single control element interface, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate controls into one unified component, thus minimizing the space occupied on the dashboard while maintaining full functional capability
4Device complexity
If a single control element is used for multiple brake functions, then the device complexity is reduced and dashboard space is saved, but the operation may become less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The control element incorporates dynamic switching states that adapt its function based on the current operational context. The element can switch between vehicle brake control, trailer brake control, and stretch braking functions, with the available functions and their behavior changing dynamically based on system state, thereby maintaining intuitiveness despite multiple functions
Solution Approach 2:
The control element provides feedback mechanisms to indicate its current switching state and available functions. This feedback helps the operator understand which function is currently active or available, making the multi-functional element intuitive to use by clearly communicating its current mode and capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an actuating device for a parking brake of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, wherein the actuating device comprises an operating brake for driving operation and the parking brake for securing the vehicle. A first braking effect can be generated by means of the parking brake for the vehicle independently of a braking procedure for the operating brake. The actuating device comprises a first switched state, wherein the first braking effect of the parking brake cannot be provided, and comprises a second switched state, wherein the first, in particular full, braking effect and the parking brake can be provided. The actuating device further comprises a manually actuatable operating element (2, 2') for actuating the parking brake, wherein the operating element (2, 2') comprises a plurality of travel positions (18, 20, 83, 84), wherein the actuating device can be switched to the second switched state in a first travel position (18) in the case of a released parking brake, and wherein the actuating device can be switched to the first switched state in the case of an applied parking brake. According to the invention, the actuating device can be switched to a further switched state. The invention further relates to a method for actuating said actuating device, wherein the actuating device is switched to the further switched state in response to an actuation.