Electronic Park Brake for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles, such as motorcycles and ATVs, face challenges with unauthorized movement due to their lengthy start-up times and lack of mechanical locking mechanisms, which can lead to accidental rolling and security issues, especially on inclines.
Innovation Solution
An electronic park brake system utilizing the motor controller to detect and prevent unwanted movement by applying reverse torque or locking the drive wheel, allowing immediate start-up for authorized drivers without mechanical additions or weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle uses a mechanical locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized movement, then security is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical locking mechanisms with an electronic control system. The motor controller detects wheel rotation through electrical signals from the motor phase currents, and the vehicle control unit processes these signals to determine vehicle movement status. This electronic substitution eliminates the need for mechanical locks, pads, or keys, thereby reducing device complexity and weight while maintaining security functionality.
2Reliability
If the vehicle performs full system initialization before starting, then system reliability is improved, but start-up time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing essential initialization tasks before the vehicle is actually needed. The system continuously monitors battery state, performs self-checks, and pre-charges the motor controller during periods when the vehicle is parked or not in use. When the driver approaches or enters the vehicle, the system is already initialized and ready for immediate operation, eliminating the need for lengthy start-up sequences at the moment of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the initialization process adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts the extent of initialization based on vehicle state, environmental conditions, and usage patterns. Essential critical functions are always initialized, while non-critical functions are initialized only when needed, allowing the system to balance reliability requirements with start-up time constraints.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the electric motor remains off to conserve energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but the vehicle becomes vulnerable to unauthorized movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring motor phase currents to detect wheel rotation. Even when the motor is off and consuming minimal energy, the system receives electrical feedback signals from the motor controller that indicate whether the wheels are rotating. This feedback mechanism allows the vehicle to detect unauthorized movement attempts without requiring the motor to be running, thus maintaining security while preserving energy efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides secure, instantaneous start-up and prevents unauthorized movement, stabilizing vehicles on inclines, reducing the risk of rolling and enhancing security without mechanical components or additional costs.
Implementation Method 1
automatically causing the electric motor to apply a reverse torque to the drive wheel to return the electric vehicle to the initial position or automatically causing the electric motor to lock the drive wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for securing an electric vehicle from unwanted movement when the electric vehicle is parked. The electric vehicle includes a drive wheel and an electric motor for driving the drive wheel. The method includes the steps of: (a) placing the electric vehicle in an electronic park brake mode; (b) automatically detecting that the electric vehicle is rolling from an initial position; and (c) automatically causing the electric motor to apply a reverse torque to the drive wheel to return the electric vehicle to the initial position or automatically causing the electric motor to lock the drive wheel to inhibit further movement of the electric vehicle.