Electric Parking Brake Activation via Switch and Pedal Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for activating or deactivating the automatic functions of electric parking brakes in vehicles are not user-friendly, particularly in extreme cold conditions, leading to safety and operational issues, as drivers may not be aware of configuration changes, and vehicles require reconfiguration when marketed in different countries.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a three-position switch and pedal operation, where the driver maintains specific pedal and switch positions for predetermined time delays to activate or deactivate automatic functions, with visual and sound alerts confirming changes, ensuring the driver is aware and in control of the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the automatic functions are deactivated in extreme cold countries, then the pads do not stick on the brake discs, but the driver is not always aware of the deactivation leading to safety problems
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback through a specific pattern on the display screen that indicates the activation state of automatic functions. This feedback mechanism ensures the driver is always aware of whether the automatic functions are activated or deactivated, preventing safety issues while allowing the deactivation benefit in extreme cold conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the configuration is changed via drop-down menu, then the automatic functions can be activated or deactivated, but the passenger can change the configuration without the driver being aware
Solution Approach 1:
Any change to the automatic functions configuration triggers an immediate visual alert on the display screen showing the new activation state. This feedback ensures that both the driver and passenger are aware of configuration changes, maintaining reliability while preserving the flexibility to change settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen acts as an intermediary that communicates the activation state to all occupants. By providing visible feedback about configuration changes, it mediates between the passenger's ability to change settings and the driver's need to be aware of the current state.
3Area of stationary object
If the screen dimensions are limited, then the vehicle dashboard remains compact, but the screen cannot provide sufficient explanations to the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential activation state information and presents it through a specific, recognizable pattern on the limited-screen display. This allows the dashboard to remain compact while providing sufficient critical information to the driver about the FSE activation state.
4Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles are marketed in different countries with different cold conditions, then the automatic functions can be optimized for each market, but the vehicles require reconfiguration by the manufacturer
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the driver to activate or deactivate automatic functions independently using the pedal and switch combination. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manufacturer reconfiguration when vehicles are marketed in different countries, while still allowing market-specific optimization through driver choice.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a method for activating or deactivating the automatic functions of an electric parking brake FSE of a motor vehicle by the driver of same, in which a succession of steps is carried out in combination as follows: a first step, in which the electric parking brake FSE must be fully engaged, the ignition contact must be active and a pedal previously chosen for this purpose must be released, during which step the driver holds a switch belonging to a control circuit of the FSE in position for at least a first predefined time delay (T0), said three-position switch being held in the first position of same; a second step, in which the electric parking brake FSE must be fully engaged and the ignition contact must be active, during which step the driver holds the pedal down for a time period limited by a second time delay (T1), and concomitantly holds the three-position switch in the third position for at least a third time delay (T2), at the end of which the control circuit switches from the activated state to the deactivated state, or vice versa.