Integrated Park Switch Logic for Brake Release on Slopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems require multiple switches for parking brake and gear shifting, leading to increased driver operations and potential misalignment with driver intention, especially in integrated systems without dedicated parking brake switches.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control device with a single control switch that integrates parking brake and gear shifting operations, using duration-based switching to link or release the parking brake, and includes features like single operation mode, vehicle speed detection, slope detection, and hydraulic pressure maintenance to enhance operability and maintainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple switches are used for parking brake and gear shifting, then the functions are clearly separated, but the driver operations increase and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the parking brake switch and gear shifter into a single integrated control unit. The control unit receives operating signals and determines whether to execute parking brake activation or gear shifting based on the vehicle state and signal characteristics, thereby reducing the number of separate switches and simplifying driver operations while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can activate the parking brake, shift gears, and determine the appropriate action based on vehicle state. This multi-functional design allows a single control element to replace multiple dedicated switches, reducing operational complexity while maintaining clear functional separation through intelligent control logic
2Ease of operation
If parking brake and gear shifter are integrated into one switch, then the number of driver-operated parts is reduced, but the control complexity increases and the risk of misalignment with driver intention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors vehicle state (such as whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary) and uses this feedback to determine the appropriate response to a control signal. When the vehicle is stationary, the control unit interprets the signal as a parking brake activation request; when in motion, it interprets the same signal as a gear shifting request. This feedback mechanism allows simple driver input to produce context-appropriate actions without complex control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts its interpretation of the control signal based on the current vehicle state. The same physical input from the driver can trigger different functions (parking brake or gear shift) depending on whether the vehicle is moving or stationary. This dynamic response simplifies the control interface while managing complexity through adaptive behavior rather than fixed control logic
3Reliability
If the control switch operates parking brake at low speed, then the braking function is activated, but it may not align with driver intention for deceleration at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically changes its function based on vehicle speed and state. At low speeds or when stationary, the control switch activates the parking brake. At higher speeds, the same control switch triggers gear shifting for deceleration. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the control system responds appropriately to driver intention based on current driving conditions, eliminating the mismatch between control action and driver intent
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a vehicle control device and method for controlling a vehicle. The vehicle control device includes a gear shift member, having a parking brake keeping a vehicle in a stationary state, a drive gear keeping driving the vehicle, and a park gear keeping the vehicle in a parked state; a control switch configured to be able to control the parking brake and shift to the park gear; a control member performing following controls when the vehicle is in the parked state: when the control switch is operated for a period of time shorter than a prescribed time, the control member shifts to the park gear and executes linked parking that links an operation of the parking brake, and during the execution of the linked parking, when the control switch is operated for a period of time longer than the prescribed time, the control member releases the parking brake.