Electronic Parking Brake Activation via Transmission Parameters
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack the ability to optimize and enhance the operation of commercial vehicles, particularly in critical driving conditions such as transmission or engine malfunctions, where additional braking support is needed to prevent safety-critical states and improve driving comfort.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controlled parking brake system that utilizes engine and transmission parameters to activate the parking brake device, providing additional braking power, supporting specific driver modes, and integrating with existing brake systems to enhance safety and comfort by applying the parking brake in predetermined operating states, including emergency braking and coasting control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the parking brake device is activated in predetermined operating states using engine and transmission parameters, then the safety and functionality of the vehicle are improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing electronically controlled parking brake device is made multi-functional by enabling it to operate not only in its traditional parking and braking functions but also as a support function in predetermined operating states of the vehicle. The control unit activates the parking brake device based on engine and transmission parameters to provide additional braking power when needed, such as during transmission faults or police corridor operations, thereby improving vehicle safety without adding new hardware components.
2Reliability
If the parking brake device provides additional braking power in critical conditions, then the prevention of safety-critical states is improved, but the risk of wheel locking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit activates the parking brake device in a controlled and periodic manner based on predetermined operating states rather than continuously. By monitoring engine and transmission parameters, the system selectively engages the parking brake device only when specific conditions are met (such as transmission faults, police corridor operation, or downshifts), providing additional braking power when needed while avoiding continuous activation that could cause wheel locking. This selective periodic activation prevents safety-critical states while minimizing harmful effects.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly expands the functionality of the parking brake system, providing enhanced safety and comfort by preventing wheel locking, reducing driver effort during emergency braking, and maintaining vehicle control in critical conditions, while also improving deceleration dynamics and preventing mechanical damage.
Implementation Method 1
The parking brake can be electrically actuated by an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic unit is controlled by an electronic control unit. This allows the braking power with the electronic brake control system to be distributed to the axles of the tractor so that the tractor wheels do not lock at the same time when braking
Data Source
AI summary
The method involves using supportively the parking brake unit depending on motor- or transmission parameters in predetermined operating condition of the vehicle. An electronic parking brake provided in the vehicle is used as a parking brake device. The parking brake is assigned a wheel of a front axle or a rear axle of the vehicle. The parking brake device is activated when an opening of the drive train is detected during an ascent or descent of the vehicle depending on transmission parameters. The controlling of the parking brake device is executed depending on a predetermined ramp function.