Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electrically operated parking brake-by-wire system is disclosed. More particularly to a method and system for control of electrically operated parking brake-by-wire systems that interfaces with various elements and systems of a motor vehicle; processes information obtained from vehicle systems, parking brake by wire systems, and the driver/user; and uses this information to safely control the operation of the parking brake-by-wire system, alerting the driver/user to potential problems associated with operation of the parking brake-by-wire system and related vehicle systems. The present invention also includes provisions to provide feedback to users and handle situations where the parking brake is actuated while the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electromagnetic device is disclosed. The system includes provisions for diagnosing problems, sensing malfunctions, and monitoring faults that may occur within the system and the controlled electromagnetic device. The system provides various forms of feedback to a user. The system includes back-up operating systems in cases of failure.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electrically operated parking brake-by-wire system is disclosed. More particularly to a method and system for control of electrically operated parking brake-by-wire systems that interfaces with various elements and systems of a motor vehicle; processes information obtained from vehicle systems, parking brake by wire systems, and the driver/user; and uses this information to safely control the operation of the parking brake-by-wire system, alerting the driver/user to potential problems associated with operation of the parking brake-by-wire system and related vehicle systems. The present invention also includes provisions to provide feedback to users and handle situations where the parking brake is actuated while the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A mono-stable brake system having a mono-stable magnetic array composed of one or more permanent magnets and one or more electromagnets, the stable brake system condition being the brake applied mode in which the magnetic array is magnetically latched by permanent magnet power, without any electromagnet power, to a rotatable member being braked. To release the brake, the permanent magnet field strength is neutralized or at least decreased by appropriate energization of the one or more electromagnets until the magnetic array is moved by magnetic force away from the rotatable member being braked. The brake is preferably in a vehicle braking system, and particularly a trailer braking system, in which the electromagnets are kept energized at all times when the brake is released for trailer movements. The amount of brake application in the service braking mode is controlled by decreasing the magnetic field strength of the one or more electromagnets in accordance with the braking action demand placed on the system.

Abstract: A magnetic latching mechanism and method having permanent magnets and electromagnets arranged to alternately magnetically latch one member to either of two other members using the magnetic flux of the permanent magnets. The magnetic flux of the electromagnets is used to modify the permanent magnetic flux to cancel its magnetic latching to one of the other members and attract the one member to the other of the other members so that the one member is moved to disengage from the one member and engage that other member. The electromagnets are then deenergized and only the permanent magnets' magnetic flux magnetically latches the one member to that other member. The process is reversed to move the one member back into latching engagement with the member with which it in disengaged, magnetically released, relation. The mechanism is disclosed as being used to actuate and release parking brakes by acting on a parking brake actuating arm to move, latch and release that arm.

Abstract: An electronically controlled parking brake system for a vehicle including a housing connected with the vehicle chassis, a movable member adapted for connection with the parking brake cable of the vehicle, a main spring biasing the movable member toward a brake-applied position relative to the housing, an electric motor operable to displace the movable member toward a brake-released position relative to the housing, a retaining device normally retaining the movable member in the brake-released position, and a release device for releasing the retaining device, whereby the movable member is released for displacement by the main spring toward the brake-applied position. Preferably, the retaining device includes a helical clutch spring mounted concentrically on a rotatable drive screw that drives the movable member in the brake-released direction, and the release device includes a solenoid for releasing the clutch spring.