Autonomous Driving Activation Interlock With Parking Brake Safeguard
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to ensure safe activation and operation of autonomous driving mode in vehicles, particularly in scenarios where the vehicle must be securely braked to prevent unintended movement, especially in case of system failures or operator disengagement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a parking brake with a first actuation unit and an interlock that prevents activation of the autonomous driving mode unless the parking brake is applied, along with a service brake system for dynamic braking, and enabling remote control of the service brake for external supervision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the autonomous driving mode is activated without ensuring the vehicle is braked, then the activation speed is improved, but the safety of the vehicle is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary braking action by applying the parking brake before allowing activation of the autonomous driving mode. The interlock mechanism checks whether the parking brake is applied and only enables activation when this condition is met, ensuring the vehicle is in a safe braked state before autonomous operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
An interlock mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the brake system and the autonomous driving activation. This interlock acts as a mediator that controls the activation process, preventing activation unless the parking brake is applied, thereby ensuring safety without requiring complex procedural changes.
2Ease of operation
If the parking brake is released to enable driving functionality, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintended movement is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Before releasing the parking brake to enable driving, the service brake is applied in advance as a preliminary safety measure. This ensures that when the parking brake is released, the vehicle is already braked by the service brake, preventing any unintended movement and maintaining vehicle stability during the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The service brake acts as a cushioning backup before the parking brake is released. By applying the service brake beforehand, the system creates a safety buffer that prevents unintended vehicle movement, allowing the parking brake to be released for driving functionality without compromising vehicle stability.
3Reliability
If the interlock prevents activation unless parking brake is applied, then the safety is improved, but the activation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing parking brake actuation mechanism to simultaneously perform both braking and interlock functions. When the operator actuates the parking brake, the same action automatically satisfies the interlock condition for autonomous driving activation, eliminating the need for separate actions and reducing activation time while maintaining safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle (22) being operable in an autonomous driving mode having a parking brake (17) with a first actuation unit (9) configured to apply or release the parking brake (17); an activation device (10) configured to activate or deactivate the autonomous driving mode; an interlock (11), wherein the interlock (11) is configured to prevent an activation of the autonomous driving mode unless the parking brake (17) is applied by the first actuation unit (9).