Vehicle Start Button Interlock with Parking Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor scooters allow the engine to start even when the parking brake is engaged, leading to potential falls as the driver may only notice the engaged brake when attempting to drive off, compromising operating safety.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design featuring a first control element for starting the drive motor and a second control element for actuating the parking brake, where the second control element is positioned to prevent access to the first control element when in the parking position, either mechanically or electronically, ensuring the engine cannot be started with the brake engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the engine can be started even when the parking brake is engaged, then the ease of operation is improved (driver can start engine freely), but the operating safety deteriorates (driver may not notice engaged brake until attempting to drive)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the second control element (parking brake) to physically block access to the first control element (start button) when the parking brake is engaged. This prevents the driver from starting the engine while the brake is engaged, eliminating the safety hazard before it can occur. The spatial arrangement creates a mechanical interlock where the parking brake's engaged position automatically makes the start button inaccessible.
2Reliability
If a mechanical blocking arrangement is implemented to prevent engine starting when parking brake is engaged, then the operating safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the parking brake control function with the engine starting function by positioning both control elements on the same handlebar grip in close proximity. The second control element (parking brake) is arranged to pivot between positions that either block or allow access to the first control element (start button). This integration uses the existing handlebar grip space efficiently, combining safety functionality with the existing control layout without adding separate complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the second control element pivotable between different positions. When pivoted to the first position, it blocks the start button; when pivoted to the second position, it allows access. This dynamic positioning allows the same physical space to serve dual purposes: preventing engine starting when the brake is engaged while allowing normal operation when the brake is disengaged, avoiding the need for separate fixed blocking structures.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The method involves providing an operating element (2) for starting a drive motor of a vehicle and providing another operating element (3) for operating a parking brake of the vehicle. The starting of the drive motor of the vehicle is prevented if the parking brake is engaged. An independent claim is also included for a vehicle, particularly a motorcycle or scooter, which has two operating elements, where the former operating element is arranged at a handle bar of a vehicle.