Auto Hold Status Indication With Delayed Brake Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated vehicle hold systems lack clear indications of their engagement status and customizable time delays, leading to driver uncertainty and potential misuse.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an auto hold system with an auto hold controller that provides clear visual and auditory indications of engagement status and allows drivers to customize time delays based on vehicle conditions, location, and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated vehicle hold systems are implemented without clear indications, then the system can maintain brake engagement automatically, but driver awareness and understanding of system status deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple feedback mechanisms including visual indicators (dashboard lights showing engaged/disengaged status), auditory indicators (beeps or chimes confirming engagement), and haptic feedback (vibration of the brake pedal when engaged). These feedback loops continuously inform the driver of the system's operational state, resolving the information loss caused by automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color-coded visual indicators on the dashboard, where different colors (e.g., green for engaged, yellow for disengaged, red for system errors) provide immediate, intuitive information about the auto hold system's status without requiring the driver to interpret complex displays.
2Device complexity
If fixed time delays are used for auto hold engagement, then the system operation is simple, but adaptability to different driving conditions and user preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed time delay into a dynamic parameter that can be adjusted in real-time. The system allows drivers to modify the delay duration before auto hold engages based on current driving conditions (e.g., traffic density, road slope) and personal preferences, making the system adaptive while maintaining operational simplicity through automated adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables modification of key system parameters including the time delay before engagement, the force required to disengage, and the sensitivity of activation conditions. These parameter changes allow the same basic system to adapt to various driving scenarios and user needs without increasing fundamental system complexity.
3Loss of information
If multiple indication methods are implemented, then driver awareness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the indication system into separate, independent channels: visual indicators on the dashboard, auditory signals through the vehicle's audio system, and haptic feedback through the brake pedal mechanism. This segmentation allows each indicator type to operate independently and redundantly, ensuring comprehensive driver awareness while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages existing vehicle systems for indications, using the dashboard's existing light clusters, the vehicle's audio system for beeps, and the brake pedal's existing actuators for haptic feedback. This multi-functionality approach avoids adding dedicated complex indication hardware, as existing components serve multiple purposes including safety warnings, navigation, and now auto hold status indication.
4Device complexity
If the system requires significant driver effort to maintain brake pressure, then system complexity is low, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where the brake mechanism serves itself by automatically maintaining engagement pressure without requiring continuous driver input. Once activated, the system monitors its own state and autonomously adjusts brake pressure to maintain the held position, freeing the driver from the need to continuously apply manual pressure while keeping the fundamental brake mechanism relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for indications in automated vehicle hold systems are disclosed. An example apparatus includes determining that the automated vehicle hold system is active. Based on the determination that the automated vehicle hold system is active, initiating a delay timer. Prior to the delay timer elapsing, providing, by executing instructions with at least one processor, a first indication corresponding to the auto hold not being engaged, and upon the delay timer elapsing, providing a second indication corresponding to the auto hold being engaged.