US 9,580,045 B2 · Configurable electronic brake shift interlock override

Abstract

Method and apparatus for an electronic override of the brake shift interlock in a motor vehicle can provide for the vehicle to be manually pushed while it is parked without keys. A timed window is initiated upon detection of a parked state of the vehicle with its transmission in a park position and ignition key removable or removed. Selection of an out-of-park position is inhibited. The invention monitors activation of the brake pedal during the timed window. Override of the brake shift interlock is enabled while the brake pedal is activated during the timed window, thereby allowing selection of an out-of-park shifter position. The timed window ends after a predetermined time or event (e.g., after the driver's door is opened) to inhibit any further shifter movement from the park position until the next ignition key-cycle.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A method for electronically controlling a shifter lockout function of a vehicle while parked, wherein the vehicle includes a brake pedal and a transmission having a park position and a plurality of out-of-park positions, and an ignition switch for receiving an ignition key, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting the beginning of a parked state of the vehicle with the transmission in the park position;
inhibiting selection of an out-of-park position;
establishing a driver action window in response to detection of the parked state and the ignition key removed from the ignition switch;
detecting whether the brake pedal is activated during the driver action window;
if an activation of the brake pedal is detected during the driver action window, then enabling selection of an out-of-park position while activation of the brake pedal continues;
and
if an end of the driver action window is detected, then continuing inhibiting shifter movement from the park position during the remainder of the parked state.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Configurable electronic brake shift interlock override

Life of this patent

Configurable electronic brake shift interlock override

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19