Vehicle Brake Activation Detection via Torque and Speed Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles with activated parking brakes face increased wear and energy requirements due to the risk of movement, especially when assisted by motors in e-bikes or cargo bikes, as existing detection methods are inadequate in accurately monitoring brake engagement and responding promptly.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that detect vehicle speed and compare it to a minimum speed, calculate the total torque provided by drives, and determine the braking force, generating a signal if it exceeds a threshold value, with the option to reduce motor power if the braking force is above a second threshold to mitigate wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the vehicle is moved with the parking brake activated, then the vehicle can be transported, but the wear on the parking brake increases very sharply and increased energy requirement occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle transport capabilityVSAvoidbrake wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of brake activation status before the vehicle moves by monitoring brake sensor signals and comparing them with motion sensor signals. When brake activation is detected before movement, the system issues a warning signal to the driver, allowing the driver to release the brake before proceeding, thereby preventing excessive wear while still enabling vehicle transport when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the parking brake is activated to secure the vehicle, then the vehicle stability is improved, but the effort required to move the vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoideffort to move vehicle
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the brake sensor signal and compares it with the motion sensor signal in real-time. When the vehicle begins to move while the brake is still activated, the system provides immediate feedback through a warning signal to the driver. This feedback loop allows the driver to awareness of the conflicting states (brake engaged vs. vehicle moving) and adjust their action accordingly, balancing the need for stability with the need to move the vehicle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the motor assists the vehicle movement with activated brake, then the vehicle can be moved with reduced driver effort, but the energy requirement of the motor increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver effort reductionVSAvoidmotor energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects brake activation status before the motor engages to assist movement. By monitoring the brake sensor signal in advance and comparing it with motion detection, the system can warn the driver beforehand. This preliminary detection prevents the motor from operating under high-load conditions caused by the brake being engaged, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption while still allowing motor assistance when appropriate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3297881B1Method and device for detecting an activated brake of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3297881B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3297881B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3297881B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting an activated brake of a vehicle. First, a check is carried out to determine whether the vehicle is moving, wherein a vehicle speed v is detected (110), and the speed is then compared (120) with a minimum speed vmin. If the vehicle speed v is greater than the minimum speed vmin, then the total torque MGes output by at least one drive of the vehicle is detected, and a braking force FB acting on the vehicle is determined (130). The braking force is determined on the basis of the vehicle speed v and the total torque MGes. The determined braking force FB is then compared (140) with a first threshold S1. If the braking force FB exceeds the first threshold S1, then a signal (300) is generated (150) which represents an activated brake. The invention additionally relates to a vehicle comprising such a device according to the invention or comprising a controller which carries out a method according to the invention.