Vehicle Line-Locking Braking System and Method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method of line-locking a hydraulic vehicle braking system. The method includes performing a preliminary system check and controlling the distribution of fluid between a hydraulic module and two sets of vehicle brakes when the preliminary check is satisfied.

1 . A computer-implemented method of line-locking a hydraulic vehicle braking system, comprising:
 receiving an electric signal through a user interface to a control module;   performing a preliminary system check; and   controlling the distribution of fluid between a hydraulic module and two sets of vehicle brakes when the preliminary check is satisfied.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein performing a preliminary system check includes assessing the vehicle speed. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein performing a preliminary system check includes assessing whether a predetermined time limit has been exceeded. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein performing a preliminary system check includes assessing a steering wheel position. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein performing a preliminary system check includes assessing whether a vehicle traction control system is inactive. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein performing a preliminary system check includes assessing whether a predetermined user command is received. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein performing a preliminary system check includes assessing whether a vehicle service brake is applied. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the controlling the distribution of fluid includes disconnecting the hydraulic module from the first and/or second set of hydraulic brakes. 
     
     
         9 . A vehicle braking system, comprising:
 a first hydraulic brake module;   a second hydraulic brake module;   a hydraulic module configured to provide fluid to the first and second brake modules;   a valve system between the hydraulic module and the first and second brake modules, configured to disconnect the hydraulic module from the first and/or second set of hydraulic brake modules; and   an electric control module configured to control the valve system.   
     
     
         10 . The braking system of  claim 9 , wherein the electric control module is linked to a user interface, configured to receive a signal from the user interface; and
 wherein the electric control module comprises system check logic configured to assess whether a predetermined user command is entered into the user interface.   
     
     
         11 . The braking system of  claim 9 , wherein the predetermined user command is a reset command, escape command or break in ignition key cycle. 
     
     
         12 . The braking system of  claim 9 , wherein the electric control module comprises system check logic configured to assess the vehicle speed; and
 wherein the control module is configured to at least partially turn the valve system off when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined amount.   
     
     
         13 . The braking system of  claim 9 , wherein the electric control module comprises system check logic configured to assess whether a predetermined time limit has been exceeded; and
 wherein the control module is configured to at least partially turn the valve system off when the predetermined time limit has been exceeded.   
     
     
         14 . The braking system of  claim 9 , wherein the electric control module comprises system check logic configured to assess a steering wheel position; and
 wherein the control module is configured to at least partially turn the valve system off when the steering wheel position is less than or greater than a predetermined angular range.   
     
     
         15 . The braking system of  claim 9 , wherein the electric control module comprises system check logic configured to assess whether a vehicle traction control system is inactive; and
 wherein the control module is configured to at least partially turn the valve system off when the traction control system is active.   
     
     
         16 . The braking system of  claim 9 , wherein the electric control module comprises system check logic configured to assess whether a vehicle service brake is applied; and
 wherein the control module is configured to at least partially turn the valve system off when the vehicle service brake is applied.   
     
     
         17 . A vehicle configured to line-lock, the vehicle comprising:
 a user interface;   an electric control module linked to the user interface and configured to receive a signal from the user interface for activation of a line-locking mode of operation;   a first hydraulic brake;   a second hydraulic brake;   a hydraulic module configured to provide fluid to the first and second brakes; and   a valve system between the hydraulic module and the first and second brakes, configured to disconnect the hydraulic module from the first and/or second set of hydraulic brakes;   wherein the control module is configured to control the valve system.   
     
     
         18 . The vehicle of  claim 17 , wherein the user interface is incorporated into an instrument panel in the vehicle interior. 
     
     
         19 . The vehicle of  claim 18 , wherein the user interface includes a cancel command key configured to re-start the control module. 
     
     
         20 . The vehicle of  claim 18 , wherein the user interface includes a message center configured to deliver system information to a vehicle user. 
     
     
         21 . The vehicle of  claim 18 , wherein the electric control module comprises system check logic configured to assess at least one vehicle condition and control the valve system according to the vehicle condition.