Electronic Brake Shift Interlock Override Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brake transmission shift interlock systems face issues with overuse and customer dissatisfaction due to the need for a mechanical manual override, which compromises rollaway theft prevention and brake actuation, especially in regions with different regulatory requirements and usage habits.
Innovation Solution
An electronic override feature that allows drivers to temporarily shift the transmission out of park using the brake pedal during a timed window after key removal, eliminating the need for additional hardware and maintaining anti-theft protection when not needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical manual override is included in the BTSI system, then the system can be operated in jurisdictions with different regulations and customer needs, but the theft prevention capability is compromised and the brake actuation requirement is bypassed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual override system with an electronic override system. The electronic override uses a solenoid actuator controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) to release the parking lock, eliminating the need for mechanical key-operated overrides. This substitution maintains theft prevention through electronic authentication while providing regulatory adaptability through software configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the override system from mechanical to electronic. The ECU monitors brake pedal activation and controls the solenoid timing based on electronic signals rather than mechanical key operation. This parameter change allows the system to maintain security while adapting to different regulatory environments through software settings.
2Reliability
If a mechanical service override is designed to be difficult to access, then theft prevention is maintained, but the override mechanism is easily damaged when accessed frequently or by untrained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical override mechanism entirely and replaces it with an electronic system. The electronic override uses a solenoid actuator controlled by the ECU, which monitors brake pedal activation and ignition key status. This electronic system is inherently more durable as it has no mechanical wear components and cannot be damaged by improper mechanical manipulation.
3Reliability
If a tool or key is required to access the manual override, then theft prevention is maintained, but customer satisfaction decreases due to ergonomic inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the key-operated mechanical override with an electronic system that detects brake pedal activation and ignition key removal through electronic sensors. The ECU processes these electronic signals to control the solenoid actuator, providing a more ergonomic and convenient override mechanism that maintains security through electronic authentication rather than mechanical key access.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic override system allows the driver to independently activate the override function by simply depressing the brake pedal and removing the ignition key, without requiring assistance from service personnel or special tools. The system automatically detects the driver's intent and executes the override sequence through the solenoid actuator.
4Ease of manufacture
If the mechanical override hardware is designed for low duty-cycle service use, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the system fails when used frequently as required in some markets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical override components with an electronic system consisting of an ECU, solenoid actuator, and electronic sensors. This electronic architecture has no moving mechanical parts subject to wear from frequent operation, eliminating the duty-cycle limitation while maintaining cost-effectiveness through shared electronic control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the normal BTSI operation, manages the override sequence, monitors brake pedal activation, and tracks ignition key status. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical override mechanisms designed for specific duty cycles, providing a universal solution for all market requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for an electronic override of the brake shift interlock in a motor vehicle can provide for the vehicle to be manually pushed while it is parked without keys. A timed window is initiated upon detection of a parked state of the vehicle with its transmission in a park position and ignition key removable or removed. Selection of an out-of-park position is inhibited. The invention monitors activation of the brake pedal during the timed window. Override of the brake shift interlock is enabled while the brake pedal is activated during the timed window, thereby allowing selection of an out-of-park shifter position. The timed window ends after a predetermined time or event (e.g., after the driver's door is opened) to inhibit any further shifter movement from the park position until the next ignition key-cycle.