Vehicle Parking Brake Electronic Controller Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle parking systems for trucks often require multiple vehicle factors to be met before the parking brake can be applied, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential vehicle rollaways if these conditions are not correctly assessed.
Innovation Solution
A parking brake apparatus with an electronic controller that monitors output signals from various devices indicating vehicle factors and applies the parking brakes based on predefined sequences, allowing for automatic engagement without driver control when specific conditions are met, such as zero ground speed and inability to provide motive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple vehicle factors are monitored and predefined sequences are required before applying parking brakes, then the reliability of parking brake application is improved, but the device complexity and control logic complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments the parking brake application process into distinct phases (first predefined sequence and second predefined sequence) with different vehicle factor requirements. The first sequence requires fewer factors (speed ≤ threshold and brake pedal pressed) while the second sequence requires additional factors (clutch engaged and gear selected). This segmentation allows the system to balance reliability with manageable complexity by applying different levels of control logic to different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of vehicle factors before applying parking brakes by evaluating multiple conditions (speed, brake pedal position, clutch engagement, gear selection) in a structured sequence. This preliminary action ensures that parking brakes are only applied when appropriate conditions are met, improving reliability while maintaining clear control logic through predefined decision trees.
2Productivity
If automatic parking brake application is implemented without driver control, then productivity and response time are improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The parking brake system operates autonomously by automatically detecting vehicle factors (speed, brake pedal position, clutch engagement, gear selection) and applying brakes based on predefined sequences without requiring direct driver intervention. The electronic controller self-manages the braking decision and execution, improving productivity and response time while the driver retains indirect control through the natural operation of vehicle controls (brake pedal, clutch, gear selector).
3Reliability
If strict vehicle factor conditions are enforced before parking brake application, then safety is improved, but the loss of time increases due to additional monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller continuously monitors vehicle factors (speed, brake pedal position, clutch engagement, gear selection) in real-time rather than performing discrete assessments. This continuous monitoring eliminates delays associated with periodic condition checks, allowing the system to immediately detect when predefined sequences are satisfied and apply parking brakes without time loss, while maintaining strict safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the electronic controller constantly receives signals from sensors monitoring vehicle factors and automatically adjusts parking brake application decisions based on current conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures safety requirements are met while eliminating time delays, as the system responds immediately when the appropriate sequence of vehicle factors is detected.
Data Source
AI summary
A parking brake apparatus is provided for a vehicle having components of a parking brake system and a number of devices providing a plurality of output signals indicative of a plurality of vehicle factors. The parking brake apparatus comprises an electronic controller arranged to (i) monitor the output signals indicative of a plurality of vehicle factors, and (ii) provide one or more control signals to be applied to components of the parking brake system to apply parking brakes based upon a predefined sequence of the plurality of vehicle factors having been met.