Electric Parking Brake Release Sequencing for Faster Vehicle Restart
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking systems with Electric Parking Brake (EPB) technology take too long to transition from a locked state to a ready-to-restart state due to energy and structural constraints, necessitating improved control methods to minimize this interval.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that controls the actuators of dual brake calipers in a sequential and synchronized manner, using detection means to ensure both brake discs reach zero braking force simultaneously, reducing the time required for vehicle readiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the actuators of dual brake calipers are controlled in parallel (simultaneously), then the vehicle readiness time is reduced, but energy and structural constraints prevent this control mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of brake disc positions and actuator states before initiating the release sequence. Detection means monitor the actual position of brake pads relative to brake discs and predict the time required for each actuator to complete its release, enabling optimized sequencing that minimizes total release time while respecting system constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the release sequence based on real-time feedback from detection means. The electronic control unit modifies the timing and sequencing of actuator releases according to actual brake disc positions, temperatures, and actuator response characteristics, transforming a static control approach into an adaptive dynamic system that optimizes performance under varying conditions
2Use of energy by moving object
If the actuators are controlled in a selective manner (sequentially), then energy and structural constraints are satisfied, but the time interval from deactivation request to vehicle readiness is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
Detection means continuously monitor brake disc positions, actuator states, and release progress, feeding this information back to the electronic control unit. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically optimizes the release sequencing, adjusting which actuator releases next and when, to minimize total release time while maintaining energy efficiency and respecting structural constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as actuator release timing, sequencing order, and release speed based on detected conditions. By varying these parameters dynamically rather than using fixed sequential timing, the system achieves faster vehicle readiness while maintaining energy efficiency and adapting to different braking scenarios
3Measurement precision
If detection means are used to monitor brake disc position, then the precision of zero force detection is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means are designed to perform multiple functions: monitoring brake disc position, detecting actuator state, predicting release timing, and providing feedback for control optimization. By making the detection system multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single measurement, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized sensors and processing units, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method of controlling a braking system (1) of a vehicle for deactivating a parking-braking force actuated by the braking system (1), the method comprising the steps of actuating, by means of the electronic processing unit (4), a first actuator (2) of a first brake caliper (7) so as to release the first braking force (F1) and reduce the value of a first braking force (F1); detecting the value of the first braking force (F1) during the actuation of the first actuator (2) and by the detection means; in the instant in which it is detected that the first braking force (F1) is reduced to a value substantially equal to zero, stopping the first actuator (2) and actuating a second actuator (3) of a second brake caliper (8), by means of the electronic processing unit (4), so as to release the second braking force (F2) and reduce the value of the second braking force (F2); reducing the value of the second braking force (F2) to a value substantially equal to zero.