Dual Processor Parking Brake Control Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles, especially those with electric drives, lack a reliable and cost-effective means to securely park on slopes without relying on complex and expensive braking systems, as existing solutions often require redundant components and transmission locks that increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit with two independent computing units connected via a data bus, providing redundant switch contacts and power supplies, ensures fail-safe detection and actuation of the parking brake, allowing at least one actuator to function even with errors, and omits the need for transmission locks by optimizing processing power and integrating power electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant control units and transmission locks are added to ensure fail-safe parking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is segmented into two independent computing units (first and second computing units), each capable of independently controlling the parking brake actuators. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even if one computing unit fails, achieving fail-safe operation without requiring complex redundant transmission locks or additional mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each computing unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can independently control the parking brake actuators and also monitor the other computing unit's status. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate monitoring systems and transmission locks, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
2Reliability
If redundant control units and transmission locks are added to ensure fail-safe parking, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is segmented into two independent computing units, each capable of independently controlling the parking brake actuators. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even if one computing unit fails, achieving fail-safe operation without requiring complex redundant transmission locks or additional mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical redundancy (transmission locks, mechanical parking brake mechanisms) with electronic/software-based redundancy (dual computing units with independent control algorithms). This substitution eliminates the need for expensive mechanical components while achieving the same fail-safe functionality through software logic and electronic control.
3Reliability
If independent computing units with direct data bus connection are used, then fail-safe operation is achieved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing units perform self-monitoring and self-diagnosis through their direct data bus connection. Each unit can detect errors in the other unit and automatically switch control to the functional unit without requiring external monitoring systems. This self-service approach achieves fail-safe operation while minimizing processing overhead by eliminating redundant external monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct data bus connection enables real-time feedback between the two computing units regarding their operational status. Each unit continuously monitors the other and can immediately detect failures, allowing for rapid failover to the functional unit. This feedback mechanism ensures fail-safe operation with minimal processing overhead by using simple status exchange rather than complex continuous control algorithms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic control device for a brake system of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one interface for an operating element, in particular a parking brake operating switch, and at least two actuating circuits for electrical actuators, in particular electrical parking brake actuators. According to the invention, the electronic control device comprises two or more independent processors, which are directly connected to each other via a data bus. A motor vehicle equipped with a control device or brake system according to the invention requires no transmission lock in an automatic transmission.