Electronic Parking Brake Release With Interlock Override Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parking brake systems for heavy-duty vehicles face issues with pneumatic performance and space consumption in the dashboard, and electronic systems can fail to release the parking brake if standard interlock signals are not satisfied, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control system with a processor and non-transient memory device executes parking brake control logic to generate a parking brake release signal based on predetermined interlock override signals, even if standard satisfaction signals are not fully received, using electro-pneumatic latching valves to apply or release the parking brakes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pneumatic push-pull valves are mounted in the dashboard, then the parking brake can be controlled, but pneumatic performance decreases and critical dashboard space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pneumatic valve from the dashboard location and relocates it to a remote position. The electronic control system with processor and control logic is mounted in the dashboard, while the pneumatic valve is positioned remotely, eliminating the need for complex pneumatic routing through the dashboard and freeing up critical dashboard space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic intermediary (processor and control logic) between the driver interface and the pneumatic valve. Instead of direct pneumatic control from the dashboard, the system uses electronic signals to control the remotely positioned pneumatic valve, improving pneumatic performance while maintaining control functionality.
2Ease of operation
If conventional pneumatic push-pull valves are mounted in the dashboard, then the parking brake can be controlled, but pneumatic performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic valve is extracted from the dashboard environment and relocated to a remote position where it can operate with optimal pneumatic performance. This separation allows the valve to be positioned in a location with better access to pneumatic supply lines and reduced interference from dashboard components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical pneumatic control system with an electro-pneumatic system. Electronic control signals replace direct mechanical pneumatic actuation from the dashboard, allowing for more precise control and improved pneumatic performance through electronic modulation of the pneumatic valve.
3Area of stationary object
If electronic park brake control systems are used, then dashboard space is freed and installation is simplified, but the system may fail to release the parking brake if standard interlock signals are not satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control logic that can adapt its behavior based on system state. The processor executes control logic that monitors interlock signals and can dynamically transition between requiring all standard interlocks to be satisfied and allowing release with fewer interlocks satisfied, depending on the operational context and safety conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of interlock signal requirements based on the operational state. Instead of always requiring all standard interlock signals, the control logic can modify the threshold for releasing the parking brake, allowing release when a subset of interlock signals are satisfied under certain conditions, thereby improving reliability while maintaining safety.
4Reliability
If standard interlock signals are required for parking brake release, then safety is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases when signals are failed or corrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic dynamically adjusts the interlock signal requirements based on the operational context. When standard interlock signals are failed or corrupted, the system can dynamically switch to an alternative release mode that requires different or fewer signals, maintaining safety while restoring operational efficiency. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle signal failures gracefully.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements prior cushioning by having backup control logic and alternative interlock signal paths prepared in advance. When standard interlock signals fail or are corrupted, the system can immediately transition to using alternative signals or relaxed requirements, cushioning against the impact of signal failures and maintaining operational efficiency without compromising safety.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus controls release of a parking brake of a parking brake system of an associated vehicle. A processor of an electronic control system of the apparatus executes parking brake control logic stored in a non-transient memory device to selectively generate a parking brake release (PBR) signal based on receiving a set of predetermined PBR interlock override signals in an absence of receiving fully all of a set of predetermined PBR interlock standard satisfaction signals, wherein receiving fully all of the set of predetermined PBR interlock standard satisfaction signals causes the processor executing the parking brake control logic to generate the PBR signal. The sets of predetermined PBR interlock override and interlock standard satisfaction signals are mutually different, and the PBR signal is deliverable for use by the associated vehicle to effect the release of the parking brake of the parking brake system of the associated vehicle.