Inferred Park Logic Controller for Automatic Vehicle Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle driver interfaces do not provide a direct method for drivers to select a park mode, relying on manual engagement of the parking mechanism, which can lead to forgetfulness and safety issues, especially when the driver is not present or the vehicle is in motion.
Innovation Solution
A controller-based system that automatically engages the park mechanism when the ignition is turned off or if the driver is absent, delaying engagement until the vehicle speed decreases below a threshold, and includes an electronic parking brake for automatic hold features, eliminating the need for explicit driver interaction with a park button.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual park control is provided for direct driver selection, then the driver has explicit control over the parking mechanism, but the driver may forget to engage the park mechanism or fail to notice when it should be engaged, leading to safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the park mechanism engagement automatically without requiring driver action. The controller monitors vehicle state (ignition off, driver absence, vehicle stopped) and autonomously engages the park mechanism, making the system self-sufficient for this safety-critical function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors driver presence via sensors, ignition state, and vehicle motion status to determine when park engagement is appropriate. This feedback loop ensures the park mechanism is engaged at the correct time based on actual vehicle and driver conditions.
2Reliability
If the park mechanism is engaged automatically when ignition is turned off, then the park engagement reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for controller-based automation
Solution Approach 1:
The existing controller that manages ignition and monitors driver presence is extended to also control the park mechanism. This multi-functional approach leverages existing sensors and processing capabilities, avoiding the need for a separate dedicated park control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The park control logic is merged with the existing ignition and driver monitoring systems. The controller that already manages ignition state and driver presence detection now also manages park mechanism engagement, consolidating control functions.
3Reliability
If the park mechanism is engaged immediately when the vehicle stops, then the parking reliability is improved, but the system may engage the park mechanism at speeds higher than the threshold, causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for park engagement by monitoring vehicle speed and stop status in advance, but delays actual engagement until the vehicle is completely stopped and speed is below the threshold. This preliminary monitoring ensures safe engagement conditions are met before activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prevents harmful premature engagement by implementing a speed threshold check and delay mechanism. The park mechanism is inhibited from engaging until the vehicle speed is below the safe threshold, actively preventing potential damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle driver interface eliminates the need for the direct driver selection of a park mode. Instead, a park mechanism is automatically engaged in response to either a transition into an ignition Off state, or detection of the absence of a driver. The park mechanism is released in response to selection of a drive mode, which can be either a forward drive mode or a reverse drive mode. To permit idling with the driver present, an electronic park brake is automatically engaged when the vehicle comes to a stop in a drive mode, and is automatically released when the driver taps the accelerator pedal. A stay-in-neutral mode overrides the automatic engagement of the park mechanism or the electronic parking brake to permit operations such as towing the vehicle.