EPB Actuator Enablement Code Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric parking brake systems lack protection against unauthorized access, allowing potential theft and safety-critical issues due to the inability to prevent unauthorized control of the EPB actuators.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an EPB actuator with a reception interface for an enablement code, an evaluation unit to verify this code, and a control mechanism that only allows motor control upon successful verification, using modulated enablement codes and encryption for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the EPB actuator control system is made accessible for normal operation, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
An evaluation unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the control interface and the motor control system. This evaluation unit verifies enablement codes before allowing motor control, acting as a security gatekeeper that permits legitimate operation while blocking unauthorized access attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses coded authentication signals (enablement codes) that are transmitted through the control interface. These codes serve as digital keys that must be correctly presented to the evaluation unit to gain access to motor control functions, replacing physical security mechanisms with cryptographic authentication.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a verification system with enablement codes is implemented, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit and control interface are integrated within the existing actuator system architecture. The enablement code verification functionality is merged with the motor control unit, allowing security functions to be implemented without adding completely separate hardware systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface serves dual purposes: it functions as both the normal control interface for motor operation and as the reception interface for enablement codes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated security hardware interfaces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If individualized enablement codes are assigned to each actuator, then protection against unauthorized control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing physically different actuators for each vehicle, the system individualizes actuators through software-based enablement codes. Each actuator is assigned a unique code that can be programmed during assembly or configuration, avoiding complex physical customization while achieving the same security effect.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator for an electric parking brake, EPB, is described. The actuator comprises a motor configured to actuate an actuating member of the EPB, as well as a reception interface configured to receive an enablement code. An enablement code is assigned to the EPB actuator which individualizes the EPB actuator against other EPB actuators. The actuator further comprises an evaluation unit configured to verify the received enablement code on the basis of the enablement code allocated to the EPB actuator and to enable a control of the motor in case of a positively verified enablement code. There is further provided a control device for the EPB actuator, an electric parking brake and a vehicle having the EPB actuator and corresponding operating methods.