Variable Electronic Parking Brake Switch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic parking brake systems lack the ability to accurately and variably control the application of rear brakes, particularly in newer vehicles without mechanical cables, which limits driver control over the braking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An electronic parking brake control system that includes a vehicle speed sensor, driving mode sensor, and an electronic parking brake variable switch, allowing drivers to gradually engage or disengage rear brakes through a switch similar to a power window switch, with an indicator displaying the percentage of brake application, and an electronic control unit transmitting signals to rear brake actuators based on vehicle speed and gear conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an electronic parking brake system is implemented without mechanical cables, then the response time and engagement speed are improved, but the driver's ability to accurately and variably control the braking force is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable switch that can be pulled upward by different amounts (incremental positions) to dynamically adjust the brake application level. This allows the driver to progressively engage the brakes in stages rather than having a single binary on/off state, thereby maintaining variable control precision while using an electronic system with fast response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates an indicator that provides visual feedback to the driver about the current level of brake application. This feedback mechanism allows the driver to accurately assess how much the brakes are engaged and make precise adjustments by pulling or pushing the switch, thereby improving variable control precision in the electronic brake system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic parking brake control system is enabled at all speeds and gears, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the safety and control accuracy are worsened due to inappropriate brake application at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary checks of vehicle speed and gear position before allowing brake application. By pre-establishing safety conditions (speed below threshold and vehicle in low gear), the system prevents inappropriate brake engagement before it can occur, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving adaptability within safe operating parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors its own operating conditions (speed and gear status) and self-regulates by enabling or disabling brake control based on pre-programmed safety criteria. This self-service approach ensures that the system only operates when safe, maintaining both adaptability and reliability without requiring constant driver intervention to check conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic parking brake control system and method for controlling a parking brake of a vehicle. The system includes an electronic parking brake variable switch configured to produce an application signal based on an amount or an amount of time the switch is pulled upward or pushed downward. The system also includes an indicator configured to indicate an amount of application of the parking brake based on the application signal. The system also includes an electronic brake unit coupled to the electronic parking brake variable switch. The electronic brake unit is configured to receive the application signal, and transmit a rear brake signal to a plurality of rear brake actuators to apply a plurality of rear brakes based on the application signal when a speed of the vehicle is below a threshold speed or the vehicle is in a low gear.