Autonomous Parking Brake Backup Control Without Manual Intervention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomously drivable vehicles, existing parking brake systems require manual action from occupants to activate a secondary mechanism if the primary mechanism fails, which is not suitable for fully autonomous operations.
Innovation Solution
A parking brake apparatus with a primary controller and a secondary controller that automatically applies the parking brake using control signals and solenoid valves, eliminating the need for manual intervention by monitoring the primary controller's availability and activating the secondary system if it becomes unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secondary parking mechanism is provided as backup, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary parking mechanism is designed to automatically activate without requiring manual intervention from the driver. The system self-monitors the primary mechanism's status and self-activates when needed, eliminating the need for driver action while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the primary and secondary parking mechanisms. This intermediary monitors the primary mechanism's availability and automatically engages the secondary mechanism when needed, reducing the perceived complexity for the user while maintaining system reliability.
2Reliability
If a secondary parking mechanism is provided as backup, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the backup function automatically without requiring the driver to take any action. The secondary mechanism serves itself by monitoring and activating when needed, maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the primary parking mechanism's status in advance and is prepared to activate the secondary mechanism immediately if needed. This preliminary monitoring ensures seamless operation without requiring driver intervention when the backup is needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual action is required to activate secondary mechanism, then ease of manufacture is improved, but extent of automation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary parking mechanism automatically detects when it needs to activate and does so without human intervention. This self-service capability increases the extent of automation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical activation with electronic control and automation. The control system uses electronic signals to monitor and activate the secondary mechanism, substituting mechanical driver action with automated electronic control, thereby increasing automation while using standard electronic components that are easy to manufacture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures the parking brake is applied autonomously without manual intervention, enhancing safety and reliability by providing a backup solution that maintains service brake pressure and simplifies system design and troubleshooting.
Implementation Method 1
A parking brake apparatus for an autonomously drivable vehicle includes a primary controller arranged to provide one or more control signals to be applied to components of the parking brake system to apply the parking brake... a second controller arranged to provide one or more control signals to be applied to other components of the parking brake system to apply the parking brake
Data Source
AI summary
A parking brake apparatus is provided for an autonomously drivable vehicle having components of a parking brake system for applying a parking brake. The parking brake apparatus comprises a first controller arranged to provide one or more control signals to be applied to components of the parking brake system to apply the parking brake in response to a signal requesting the parking brake to be applied. The parking brake apparatus also comprises a second controller arranged to provide one or more control signals to be applied to other components of the parking brake system to apply the parking brake in response to unavailability of the first controller to cause the parking brake to be applied.