Remote Parking Brake Actuation via RFID Driver Exit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles equipped with air brakes, drivers must manually ensure the parking brake is set when exiting to prevent rollaway accidents, which can be overlooked, leading to safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remote actuation of the parking brake, utilizing an actuator coupled with a remote actuation device, such as an RFID card, to automatically set the parking brake when the driver exits the vehicle, with indicators like POWER, READY, and DEPLOY lights, and a SYSTEM OVERRIDE switch for temporary deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual parking brake setting is required when driver exits, then driver control and simplicity are maintained, but safety reliability deteriorates due to potential driver neglect
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the parking brake automatically engages when the driver exits the vehicle. The actuator detects driver departure and autonomously sets the parking brake without requiring manual driver action, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically engaging the parking brake before the driver fully exits the vehicle. The actuator monitors driver presence and initiates brake engagement as the driver begins to leave, ensuring the brake is set before the driver is completely clear of the vehicle
2Reliability
If automatic parking brake actuation is implemented, then safety reliability improves by preventing driver neglect, but device complexity increases due to additional actuators and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a parking brake actuator and a driver presence detection actuator. By integrating these functions into a single device, the system achieves automatic safety engagement without requiring separate complex detection and actuation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary lever mechanism that connects the actuator to the parking brake button. This mechanical intermediary translates the actuator's linear motion into the rotational or pressing motion required to engage the parking brake, simplifying the overall control architecture
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
Enhances safety by ensuring the parking brake is always set when the driver exits, preventing accidental rollaways and providing an additional layer of safety against driver neglect.
Implementation Method 1
a remote actuation device configured to be with the driver of the vehicle and to indicate to the actuator when the driver exits the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the remote actuation of a parking brake in a vehicle, thereby to insure that the parking brake of the vehicle is set when the driver exits the vehicle, includes: an actuator disposed within a vehicle equipped with air brakes and a parking brake button and coupled to the parking brake button and configured to set the parking brake upon the occurrence of a predetermined event; and a remote actuation device configured to be with the driver of the vehicle and to indicate to the actuator when the driver exits the vehicle such that the actuator sets the parking brake if not already set.