US 6,543,567 B2 · Fault responsive securely stopped vehicle method and apparatus

Abstract

The braking system of a vehicle is securely engaged in response to the operator of the vehicle causing the vehicle to stop. The braking system remains securely engaged upon detection of a fault such as a vehicle collision, a vehicle malfunction or a problem with the operator or operation of the vehicle, thereby improving vehicle safety. In the event of a collision, securely engaged brakes can significantly reduce resulting vehicle acceleration, potentially avoiding a secondary collision and reducing injuries experienced by the vehicle operator and passengers. In the event that no fault is detected, the braking system is disengaged in response to the operator accelerating the vehicle, either by pressing the gas pedal or releasing the brake pedal, thereby making the securely engaged brakes virtually unperceivable under normal operating circumstances. The rate of release of the braking system is responsive to the gas pedal position. The braking system is released rapidly in response to a substantially depressed gas pedal to facilitate a rapid start or gradually in response to a partially depressed gas pedal to facilitate a smooth start.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A securely stopped motor vehicle comprising:

a braking controller for engaging a vehicle brake for reducing vehicle speed in response to a braking input from an operator of the vehicle;
a secure stop controller coupled to said braking controller for generating a secure stopped signal in response to the vehicle coming to a complete stop, wherein said braking controller maintains the vehicle brake engagement in response to the secure stop signal;
an acceleration controller for generating an acceleration signal for causing the vehicle to accelerate in response to an acceleration input from the operator, wherein said secure stop controller is further coupled to said acceleration controller for terminating the secure stop signal in response to the acceleration signal, thereby disengaging the vehicle brake in response to the acceleration signal;
and
a fault detector for detecting a fault, wherein said secure stop controller is further coupled to said fault detector and the secure stop signal is maintained upon detection of the fault, thereby maintaining activation of the vehicle brake in response to the fault wherein
said braking controller further engages the vehicle brake in response to the secure stop signal and gradually disengages the vehicle brake during a disengagement time and further engages the vehicle brake in response to a termination of the acceleration signal during the disengagement time.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fault responsive securely stopped vehicle method and apparatus

Life of this patent

Fault responsive securely stopped vehicle method and apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20