Automated Neutral Gear Control via Brake and Slope Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for automatically shifting a heavy truck's gear to neutral require manual intervention and consume air pressure, leading to unwanted stops and delays, and pose hazards when the vehicle is on an incline, as they do not reliably prevent rolling backwards.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically shifts the gear to neutral using the foot brake pedal, with active electronic brake control and slope sensing to ensure the vehicle remains stationary, and engine control to manage engine speeds, preventing rolling and allowing gear engagement only when safe to do so.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If parking brake is used to control automatic neutral gear engagement, then gear shifting automation is achieved, but air pressure is consumed and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic parking brake system with an electronic brake control system. The control unit receives signals from the brake pedal sensor and electronically controls the gearbox to engage neutral gear, eliminating the need for pneumatic pressure and manual parking brake operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when the vehicle is stationary through the brake pedal sensor and autonomously engages neutral gear without requiring driver intervention. The control unit continuously monitors brake pedal position and automatically shifts to neutral when stationary conditions are detected.
2Extent of automation
If parking brake is used for automatic neutral engagement, then gear shifting is automated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls the gearbox gear selection, monitors brake pedal position, determines vehicle stationary status, and manages engine speed. By consolidating these functions in a single control unit rather than using separate pneumatic and mechanical systems, the overall system complexity is reduced.
3Extent of automation
If foot brake pedal is used for automatic neutral engagement, then automation is improved, but rolling hazard occurs on inclines
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines whether the vehicle is on an incline before allowing automatic neutral engagement. If the vehicle is stationary on a slope, the system prevents neutral engagement or maintains engine braking to prevent rolling. This preliminary check avoids the rolling hazard before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors brake pedal position and vehicle motion status. When the vehicle begins to move or the driver releases the brake pedal on an incline, the control unit detects this feedback and either prevents neutral engagement or quickly re-engages gear to maintain vehicle control and prevent rolling.
4Ease of operation
If automatic neutral engagement is enabled, then manual workload is reduced, but gear engagement safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary checks before allowing automatic neutral engagement: it verifies the vehicle is stationary, checks if the driver intends to remain stationary, and assesses incline conditions. Only when all safety conditions are met does the system enable automatic neutral engagement, ensuring gear engagement safety is maintained.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method and system for automatic shift to a neutral gear of a motorized vehicle, the vehicle is provided with an automatic gear box controlled by a control unit. When automatically shifting to neutral gear,it is sensed that the foot brake pedal is actuated. It is also determined if the vehicle will remain in a stationary position with the neutral gear engaged. If it has been determined that the vehicle will remain in a stationary position with the neutral gear engaged,an automatic shift to neutral gear is enabled when the foot brake pedal is actuated.