Flap Sensor Driver Presence Detection for Vehicle Hold Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking brake systems for temporarily holding a motor vehicle in a stationary state often rely on expensive and slow detection methods for driver presence, such as interior cameras and weight sensors, which can lead to safety concerns and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method using a flap sensor to detect the driver's presence by monitoring the opened or closed position of vehicle flaps, such as doors, windows, and tailgates, combined with seat belt sensors to ensure the driver is securely seated, allowing for cost-effective and rapid activation and deactivation of the service brake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive detection methods such as interior cameras and weight sensors are used to detect driver presence, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple existing sensors (flap sensor, seat belt sensor, brake pedal sensor) into an integrated driver presence detection system. By merging these sensors and evaluating their signals together, the system achieves reliable driver presence detection without requiring expensive specialized sensors like interior cameras or weight sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing sensors serve multiple functions. The flap sensor originally designed for door monitoring is repurposed to detect driver presence. The seat belt sensor and brake pedal sensor are integrated into the driver presence detection logic, allowing these components to fulfill both their original functions and contribute to driver presence determination.
2Reliability
If existing parking brake systems use complex detection methods, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing vehicle sensors and components to determine driver presence, allowing the vehicle's own sensor network to serve the additional function of brake activation control. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate expensive detection systems while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from requiring specialized sensors to using standard vehicle sensors with modified evaluation logic. By changing how driver presence is detected (using flap position, seat belt status, brake pedal position) rather than relying on expensive dedicated sensors, the system becomes easier to manufacture while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If the service brake is activated without proper driver presence detection, then productivity is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary driver presence verification using multiple sensors (flap sensor, seat belt sensor, brake pedal sensor) before activating the service brake. This preliminary check ensures the driver is properly present and positioned, preventing accidental brake deactivation while maintaining system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor signals (flap position, seat belt status, brake pedal position) and uses this feedback to determine whether driver presence conditions are met for service brake activation. This feedback mechanism ensures the brake system operates efficiently only when appropriate safety conditions are confirmed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for operating a hold function for temporarily holding an operationally ready motor vehicle in a stationary state by use of a service brake. The service brake is actuated by electrohydraulic, electropneumatic or electromechanical mechanisms. The service brake can be activated within the framework of the hold function, when the speed of the vehicle is less than a preset first speed threshold, and the presence of the driver in the driver's seat is detected. The presence of the driver in the driver's seat is detected as a function of the signal of a flap sensor for detecting an opened or closed position of the flap, assigned to this flap sensor.