Automatic Parking Brake Release via Starting Condition Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers are distracted and face potential wear or damage to the parking brake system when manually releasing it during vehicle startup, as it requires an additional action that diverts attention from the traffic situation.
Innovation Solution
An electrically operable parking brake system that automatically transitions from an applied to a released state when specific starting conditions are detected, such as the engine running, vehicle standing, and cabin door closed, allowing the driver to focus on the traffic without manually releasing the brake, and ensuring the vehicle remains secured through the service brake if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver manually releases the parking brake system when starting the vehicle, then the parking brake system can be released, but the driver's attention is distracted from the traffic situation
Solution Approach 1:
The parking brake system automatically releases itself when starting conditions are detected (engine running, vehicle stationary, gear engaged), eliminating the need for manual driver intervention and thereby removing the distraction from traffic monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors starting conditions (engine status, gear position, vehicle motion) and uses this feedback to automatically initiate parking brake release when appropriate conditions are met, ensuring safe operation without driver distraction
2Reliability
If the driver forgets to manually release the parking brake system, then the vehicle remains secured, but additional wear and damage occurs to the parking brake system
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when starting conditions are met and releases the parking brake without requiring driver action, preventing wear and damage from forced engagement while ensuring the vehicle is properly secured when parked
Solution Approach 2:
The control device checks starting conditions before engine start and automatically releases the parking brake in advance, preventing any potential wear or damage that would occur if the driver attempted to start the vehicle with the brake still engaged
3Reliability
If the parking brake system is automatically released when starting conditions are detected, then driver distraction is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device leverages existing sensors and control systems already present in modern vehicles (engine control unit, gear position sensors, brake control unit) to detect starting conditions and automatically manage parking brake release, avoiding the need for separate dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic parking brake release function is integrated into the existing brake control system and engine management system, combining multiple functions (engine start monitoring, gear position detection, brake control) into a unified control architecture that minimizes additional complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (200) for operating an electrically operable parking brake system (100) of a vehicle (104). According to the invention it is contemplated that a transfer of the electrically operable parking brake system (100) from an applied operating state into a released operating state is initiated when the presence of a starting condition is detected which is independent of an operating device (130) provided for manually operating the electrically operable parking brake system (100) and/or used to release the parking brake system (100) when the operating device (130) is faulty. The present invention further relates to a control device for an electrically operable parking brake system (100).