Methods and apparatus for braking

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for braking may control a brake between three states. Methods and apparatus for braking may comprise a sensor for sensing information about a brake input device, may comprise a brake control system coupled with the brake and the brake input device, and may control the brake based on the sensed information and input to the brake input device. Methods and apparatus for braking may control the brake to engage a friction material with a rotor if the brake input device indicates the brake should be engaged, and to remove the friction material from contact with the rotor if the brake input device indicates the brake should not be engaged. Methods and apparatus for braking may determine a condition of imminent braking based on the sensed information and may control the brake to enter a ready-to-engage state accordingly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 532,325, filed Nov. 4, 2014, and incorporates the disclosure of such application by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Current automotive brake designs force a friction material against a rotating surface of the brake when the brake is applied. The friction material maintains slight contact with a rotating surface of the brake when the brake is not applied. In a current disc brake design, the brake comprises a caliper activated by hydraulic pressure reacting on a piston that moves along with the brake pad and clamps the brake pad on a brake rotor. When the piston moves, a piston seal contacting the circumference of the piston slightly deforms. When the hydraulic pressure is relieved, for example at the end of the stop, the piston and brake pad are pulled away from the rotor by the piston seal returning to its non-deformed shape (called “rollba...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present technology relates to methods and apparatus for braking that can control the brakes of a vehicle between an engaged state, a ready-to-engage state, and a disengaged state. The brake control system is coupled with a brake input device and can control the brakes based on the sensed information and the input to the brake input device. The methods and apparatus for braking can determine the condition of imminent braking based on the sensed information and control the brakes to enter a ready-to-engage state accordingly. Overall, this technology allows for efficient and effective braking control in vehicles.

Problems solved by technology

If an air gap is left between the brake pad and the rotor, the driver experiences a poor brake pedal feel due to the caliper having to travel an additional distance to move the pads back into engagement with the rotor.

The brake pedal will have no initial resistance and does not quickly generate a vehicle deceleration, which results in a typical driver perception of an unresponsive and soft brake pedal.

Leaving the friction material in slight contact with the rotating surface, however, reduces fuel economy because a small amount of friction is applied to the rotating surface during non-braking conditions.

Further, leaving the friction material in slight contact with the rotating surface causes additional wear on both components.

This wear is a significant problem if the rotating surface does not rotate true, for example if the rotor has a run-out, which leads to irregular wear on the components and can result in pulsation, vibration, judder, and the like while braking This is a major cause of warranty brake repair.

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