Dynamic Parking Brake Control for Motor Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motor vehicles lack a dynamic parking brake system that effectively manages speed and engages the appropriate braking system based on vehicle speed and driver input, particularly for alternative fuel vehicles with complex electrical and drive systems.

Innovation Solution

A braking system comprising a primary braking system for front and rear wheels, a brake pedal, a parking brake actuator, a speed sensor, and a processor that dynamically engages the primary or secondary braking system based on vehicle speed and driver input, ensuring safe slowing or stopping of the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the pull cable braking system is engaged to slow the vehicle during operation, then the vehicle's speed decreases, but the rear wheels may lock-up causing loss of control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle speedVSAvoidwheel lock-up prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The processor acts as an intermediary between the parking brake actuator and the braking system. When the parking brake is engaged during vehicle operation, the processor detects this condition and controls the primary braking system to provide progressive braking force, preventing direct engagement of the pull cable braking system that would cause wheel lock-up. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by enabling speed reduction while maintaining wheel control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct mechanical pull cable braking system with an electronically controlled primary braking system during vehicle operation. The processor controls the primary braking system (which uses hydraulic or electronic actuation rather than mechanical pull cables) to provide the braking force, substituting the mechanical pull cable system with an electronically managed system that prevents wheel lock-up through controlled force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Speed

If the parking brake is used at high speeds, then the vehicle can be slowed down, but the pull cable system causes unsafe braking conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle deceleration capabilityVSAvoidunsafe braking conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The processor continuously monitors vehicle speed and braking system status, providing feedback control. When the parking brake is engaged during operation, the processor detects the operational condition and adjusts the braking force application through the primary braking system to prevent unsafe conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that braking is applied safely regardless of vehicle speed, resolving the contradiction between deceleration capability and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between braking systems based on vehicle operating conditions. During vehicle operation, the processor dynamically engages the primary braking system instead of the static pull cable parking brake system. This dynamic adaptation to operating conditions allows safe braking at any speed by selecting the appropriate braking system based on real-time vehicle state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a simple pull cable parking brake system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the system cannot dynamically adapt to different driving conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking system structureVSAvoiddynamic braking adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The processor enables the primary braking system to serve multiple functions: it acts as the normal braking system during vehicle operation and also serves as a dynamic parking brake system when the parking brake actuator is engaged. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated system to adapt to different driving conditions without requiring separate complex systems, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8918261B2Dynamic parking brake methods and systems for motor vehicles

Publication Date: 2014.12.23 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments provide braking systems and methods for a motor vehicle. One braking system includes a primary braking system, a speed sensor, a brake pedal, a parking brake, and a processor coupled to the parking brake and the primary braking system. The processor is configured to engage the primary braking system when the parking brake is activated and the motor vehicle is traveling at a speed at least equal to a pre-determined speed.