Parking Brake Control Unit Delaying Engagement via Deceleration Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Parking brake systems, including electronic parking brakes, lack an anti-lock function, leading to potential wheel lock on low-friction surfaces, which complicates vehicle motion state estimation and requires manual release via the brake pedal, especially in emergency braking situations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling a parking brake that delays full engagement based on vehicle deceleration signals, allowing drivers to stabilize the vehicle before wheel lock occurs, with optional release signals for manual control unit actuation, eliminating the need for simultaneous brake pedal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the parking brake is engaged immediately upon actuation, then the parking brake engages quickly to stop the vehicle, but the wheels may lock up on low-friction surfaces causing loss of vehicle control
Solution Approach 1:
The parking brake control system dynamically adjusts its engagement behavior based on real-time vehicle operating conditions. The control unit monitors wheel speed signals and deceleration rates, and automatically modifies the parking brake engagement strategy - delaying full engagement when high deceleration is detected to prevent wheel lockup, while allowing immediate engagement under normal conditions. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between fast response and vehicle stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the engagement parameter (full engagement timing) of the parking brake based on the detected deceleration parameter. When the deceleration exceeds a threshold value, the control unit delays the full engagement of the parking brake, effectively changing the engagement timing parameter to prevent wheel lockup while maintaining the ability to engage quickly when needed.
2Reliability
If the parking brake is delayed during emergency braking, then wheel lockup is prevented and vehicle control is maintained, but the time to fully stop the vehicle is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of the braking situation by monitoring deceleration rates before committing to full parking brake engagement. When high deceleration is detected, the delay in full engagement is temporary and purposeful - it allows the vehicle's primary braking system to complete the stopping maneuver safely before the parking brake takes over, preventing wheel lockup during the critical deceleration phase while still achieving timely stop.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors wheel speed and deceleration feedback signals to determine when it is safe to engage the parking brake. This feedback mechanism allows the system to delay engagement only as long as necessary to prevent wheel lockup, then immediately engage the parking brake to complete the stopping process, thereby minimizing the time loss while maintaining vehicle stability.
3Device complexity
If the driver must press the brake pedal to release the parking brake, then the release mechanism is simple and reliable, but the driver cannot release the parking brake independently during emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The parking brake control unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary controller for normal operation and as an independent release mechanism for emergency situations. The same control unit that manages engagement based on deceleration feedback also processes release requests from the hand control unit, eliminating the need for separate release mechanisms and enabling versatile control options while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically manages the parking brake engagement and release processes based on sensor inputs and control signals. During emergency situations, the system can automatically release the parking brake when it detects the driver's release request through the hand control unit, without requiring additional driver actions like pressing the brake pedal. This self-service capability enhances adaptability while keeping the overall system simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a parking brake, said method comprising a receiving step, a reading step, and an outputting step. In the receiving step, an actuation signal (120) is received which represents actuation of a hand-held operating unit of a parking brake by a driver. In the reading step, a deceleration signal (125) is read which represents a value of a deceleration of the vehicle (102) after the actuation signal (120) is received. In the outputting step, a delay signal (130) is output dependent on the value of the deceleration, said delay signal being designed to delay a complete engagement of the parking brake.