Electronic Park Brake Interface Module Haptic Feedback

Solution Overview

Problem

The transition from mechanical to electronic park brake controls in commercial vehicles leads to operator confusion due to the lack of tactile and auditory feedback, as electronic controls do not provide the same confirmation as their mechanical-pneumatic counterparts.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electronic park brake interface module that includes a park brake switch device with a movable actuation member and a target member, capable of engaging and disengaging the park brake through distinct gestures (pinch and reach signals), providing haptic feedback similar to pneumatic systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical-pneumatic park brake controls are used, then operator feedback (tactile and auditory) is provided, but device complexity increases due to air valves and pneumatic tubing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator feedbackVSAvoidair valve and pneumatic tubing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical-pneumatic control system with an electronic control system that uses an electronic control unit and electronic switches instead of air valves and pneumatic tubing. This substitution eliminates the complex pneumatic infrastructure while maintaining control functionality through electronic signals and processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces haptic feedback mechanisms as an intermediary between the electronic control system and the operator. These mechanisms simulate the tactile feedback of mechanical-pneumatic systems by providing resistive forces and vibrations through the electronic switch, bridging the gap between electronic simplicity and mechanical feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If electronic park brake controls are used, then device complexity is reduced, but operator feedback (tactile and auditory) is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidoperator feedback

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces haptic feedback mechanisms as an intermediary between the electronic control system and the operator. These mechanisms simulate the tactile feedback of mechanical-pneumatic systems by providing resistive forces and vibrations through the electronic switch, bridging the gap between electronic simplicity and mechanical feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms within the electronic control system that provide tactile and auditory signals to the operator. The electronic switch generates haptic feedback signals that simulate the sensation of mechanical engagement, and the system can provide auditory confirmation signals to indicate park brake status changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If momentary electronic controls are used, then device complexity is simplified, but operator confusion increases due to lack of forcible movement and auditory feedback

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mechanismVSAvoidoperator clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms within the electronic control system that provide tactile and auditory signals to the operator. The electronic switch generates haptic feedback signals that simulate the sensation of mechanical engagement, and the system can provide auditory confirmation signals to indicate park brake status changes, thereby reducing operator confusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the electronic control dynamic by implementing force feedback mechanisms that actively resist operator input during the switching process. The electronic switch provides variable resistive forces that simulate the mechanical engagement sensation, creating a dynamic interaction that guides the operator through the control action and provides clear status indication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11724682B2Electronic park brake interface module, park brake controller and system

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

An interface module for a vehicle comprises a circuit board having a light emitting device and at least one stationary light pipe for conveying the light emitted from the light emitting device. The interface module also includes at least one electromechanical switch having a moveable actuation member and a feedback device associated with moveable actuation member. The feedback device aligns with the at least one stationary light pipe when the at least one electromechanical switch is assembled in the interface module, wherein the light emitted from the light emitting device is visible through the feedback device.