Abstract: An electronic parking brake (EPB) system having expanded functionality, such that after a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) (i.e., host) commands the parking brake units to release clamping force on the brake discs, a pressure differential is generated in the rear calipers. When the normally closed valves at the HECU are opened, fluid is transferred to a low-pressure accumulator, transferring the brake fluid from the housing of the caliper. A pump is then activated to further draw fluid from the accumulator and the caliper, transferring the fluid back to the master cylinder. The suction created by the activation of the pump moves the caliper piston towards the housing and the brake pad away from the brake disc, and achieving the desired air gap.

Abstract: An electronic parking brake (EPB) system having expanded functionality, such that after a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) (i.e., host) commands the parking brake units to release clamping force on the brake discs, a pressure differential is generated in the rear calipers. When the normally closed valves at the HECU are opened, fluid is transferred to a low-pressure accumulator, transferring the brake fluid from the housing of the caliper. A pump is then activated to further draw fluid from the accumulator and the caliper, transferring the fluid back to the master cylinder. The suction created by the activation of the pump moves the caliper piston towards the housing and the brake pad away from the brake disc, and achieving the desired air gap.

Abstract: A braking system having expanded functionality, which provides the driver of a vehicle the option to manually control the clamping force of the rear brakes as desired, while keeping existing braking system functionalities. The braking system includes a manual control device, such as a hand lever assembly, and the driver is able to move the hand lever to various positions. The position of the lever corresponds to an equivalent rear hydraulic brake clamping force request. A fully retracted lever corresponds to a complete release action of the rear hydraulic brakes, and a fully actuated lever corresponds to a complete clamping of the rear hydraulic brakes. Any position in between the fully retracted and fully actuated positions corresponds to a partial apply of the rear hydraulic brakes using a predefined ratio of force to lever position.

Abstract: An electronic parking brake (EPB) system having expanded functionality, which provides the driver of a vehicle the option to manually control the clamping force of the EPB as desired, while keeping existing EPB functionalities. The EPB system includes a hand lever assembly, and the driver is able to move the hand lever assembly to various positions. The position of the hand lever assembly corresponds to an equivalent parking brake clamping force request. A fully retracted lever corresponds to a complete release action of the parking brake, and a fully actuated lever corresponds to a complete clamping of the parking brake. Any position in between the fully retracted and fully actuated positions corresponds to a partial apply of the parking brake using a predefined ratio of force to lever position.