Brake Control Module Swap Check for Parking Brake Coding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Incorrect coding of control modules in vehicle brake control systems can lead to component damage in parking brake systems due to unintentional swaps, particularly between systems with and without integrated position sensors.

Innovation Solution

A test arrangement with a swap plausibility check is implemented to ensure correct coding by activating the appropriate control module for the installed parking brake system, using a test unit to recognize and prevent incorrect coding, and optionally generating a warning or switching off the system to avoid damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coding unit activates either the first control module or the second control module to control the installed parking brake system, then the correct parking brake system can be controlled, but incorrect coding can lead to component damage due to mismatched control modules and parking brake systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrect control module activationVSAvoidcomponent damage from incorrect coding

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The test unit performs a swap plausibility check before the control module activates the parking brake system. This preliminary verification detects whether the activated control module matches the installed parking brake system type, preventing incorrect coding from causing component damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The test unit continuously monitors the assignment between control modules and parking brake systems, providing feedback on whether the coding is correct. When a mismatch is detected, the system can generate a warning signal or switch off the parking brake system to prevent damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If a test unit performs a swap plausibility check to detect incorrect coding, then component damage can be prevented, but the complexity of the brake control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of incorrect codingVSAvoidsystem complexity with test unit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test unit is integrated into the existing brake control system control device, merging the testing functionality with the control logic. This consolidation allows the swap plausibility check to be performed using existing system resources, minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device is designed to handle multiple parking brake system types (first and second control modules) with a single unified control architecture. The test unit leverages this universal design to perform plausibility checks for both system types, reducing the need for separate testing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12552359B2Test arrangement for functional testing of a vehicle brake control system

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 AUDI AG

AI summary

A test arrangement for functional testing of a brake control system in a vehicle, in which either a first parking brake system or a second parking brake system can be installed, wherein the brake control system has a control device with a first control module for controlling the first parking brake system, and has a second control module for controlling the second parking brake system, and wherein either the first control module or the second control module can be activated by means of a coding unit, in order to control the associated parking brake system, while the non-activated control module remains inoperative. The brake control system has a test unit with which a swap plausibility check can be carried out, which can be used to check whether the correct control module for the installed parking brake system is activated.