Vehicle Pull-Away Brake Control for Connected Infrastructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively inhibit vehicle movement from connected infrastructure while avoiding false positives during normal travel, particularly at low speeds, leading to potential damage, safety risks, and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an infrastructure connection sensor, parking brake status sensor, and wheel speed sensor to determine if a vehicle is connected to infrastructure and if the parking brake is released, applying the service brake only when specific conditions are met, including low speed and connection, thereby preventing unintended movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor-based warning system is used to indicate vehicle connection status, then operators are alerted to potential disconnection risks, but operators may overlook or ignore the warnings, failing to prevent unintended movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by proactively preventing vehicle movement through automatic brake application when connection status changes, rather than relying on operator response to warnings. The controller monitors connection sensors and automatically inhibits movement by controlling the brake system, eliminating the need for operator compliance with warnings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/operator-dependent warning system with an automated electronic control system. The controller receives signals from connection sensors and automatically actuates the brake system through electronic signals, substituting manual operator intervention with automated mechanical control.
2Reliability
If the vehicle brake system is applied to prevent movement when connected to infrastructure, then unintended disconnection is prevented, but the vehicle may be prevented from moving during normal travel when the parking brake is accidentally released
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by establishing the armed state and pre-configuring the brake system readiness before any disconnection event occurs. The controller continuously monitors connection status and prepares the brake system for automatic application, ensuring immediate response while maintaining normal operation through conditional logic that distinguishes between connected and disconnected states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by making the brake inhibition dynamic and conditional rather than static. The controller continuously evaluates multiple conditions including connection status, brake system state, and vehicle operational mode to dynamically adjust whether brake application occurs. This allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and avoid false positives during normal travel.
3Reliability
If the vehicle brake system is applied to prevent movement from connected infrastructure, then damage and safety risks are reduced, but inconvenience and safety risks occur during low-speed vehicle travel such as heavy traffic or obstacle crossing
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies parameter changes by monitoring and responding to changes in connection status parameters rather than relying solely on speed thresholds. When the connection sensor detects disconnection, the controller changes the operational parameters of the brake system, applying brakes to prevent movement. This approach maintains productivity during low-speed travel by only restricting movement when actual disconnection occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring connection sensor status and using this feedback to control brake application. The controller receives real-time feedback from connection sensors and adjusts brake system operation accordingly, ensuring mobility is maintained during normal travel while preventing movement when infrastructure connection is lost.
4Reliability
If conventional systems use speed threshold comparison to decide whether to prevent movement, then high-speed travel is protected, but low-speed travel situations such as heavy traffic or obstacle crossing are incorrectly restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by separating the control logic into distinct operational states (armed and disarmed) based on connection status rather than using a continuous speed threshold. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different travel conditions by evaluating connection state independently of speed, maintaining reliability for high-speed protection while gaining adaptability for low-speed situations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for inhibiting movement of a vehicle away from infrastructure temporarily connected with the vehicle. A sensor indicates whether the vehicle is connected with the infrastructure. A valve controls delivery of fluid pressure to a service brake on the vehicle. A controller determines whether the vehicle is in an armed state permitting application of the service brake when a set of conditions is present in which the parking brake is released, the speed of the vehicle meets a predetermined condition relative to a threshold speed, and the vehicle is connected with the infrastructure or a disarmed state prohibiting application of the service brake when the set of conditions is present. If the set of conditions is present while in the armed state, the controller directs the valve to apply the service brake.