Regenerative brake activation

Abstract

According to the present subject matter, a regenerative braking activation system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a plunger comprising a magnet. Further, a first sensor is provided in proximity to the plunger. The first sensor is not in physical contact with the plunger. Further, the system comprises an actuator engaged with the plunger. When an external force is applied to the actuator, such as during braking, the actuator causes a translational motion of the plunger. Due to the translation movement of the plunger a magnetic flux linked with the first sensor also changes. Accordingly, the first sensor generates an output which is provided to a regenerative braking unit. The regenerative braking unit activates a regenerative braking of the vehicle when the output reaches a predetermined threshold.

Description

REGENERATIVE BRAKE ACTIVATIONFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to vehicles and more particularly braking technology of vehicles.BACKGROUND

[0002] Braking systems are essential components in vehicles, providing the necessary control during driving. Braking systems generally rely on friction-based mechanisms, such as disc or drum brakes, to dissipate kinetic energy as heat.

[0003] Further, regenerative braking systems were developed to reuse a portion of the energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. These systems convert kinetic energy into electrical or mechanical energy, which can be stored, for example in a battery and later be reused for the vehicle. In regenerative braking an electric motor operates as a generator to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and the electrical energy is stored.

[0004] In two wheelers, generally a regenerative braking is activated by a direction of movement of a throttle of the two wheeler. For example, a rider needs to twist the throttle of a two wheeler anticlockwise to activate the regenerative braking. Further, an amount of regeneration is fixed irrespective of the amount of braking applied. Also, since the activation of the regenerative braking is done using components and sensors that are in direct contact, the components and sensors involved in the regenerative braking is prone to wear and tear.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of the subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some of the aspects of subject matter embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of the subject matter. It is not intended to identify key / critical elements of the embodiments or to delineate the scope of the subject matter. Its sole purpose to present some concepts of the subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0006] According to the present subject matter, a regenerative braking activation system for a vehicle is disclosed. The regenerative braking activation systemcomprises a plunger comprising a magnet. Further, a first sensor is provided in proximity to the plunger. The first sensor is not in physical contact with the plunger. Further, the system comprises an actuator engaged with the plunger. When an external force is applied to the actuator, such as during braking, the actuator causes a translational motion of the plunger. Due to the translation movement of the plunger a magnetic flux linked with the first sensor also changes. Accordingly, the first sensor generates an output which is provided to a regenerative braking unit. The regenerative braking unit activates a regenerative braking of the vehicle when the output reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0007] According to another example embodiment of the present subject matter, the regenerative brake activating system comprises a second sensor in proximity to the plunger. The second sensor is not in contact with the plunger. The second sensor is activated by the movement of the plunger by a predetermined distance. The activation of the second sensor switches ON at least one light of the vehicle. In an example embodiment, the at least one light may be rear light which is switched ON when brakes are applied.

[0008] Further, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter, the first sensor and the second sensor may be enclosed in a weatherproof and shockproof housing to prevent wear and tear of the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0009] According to the present subject matter, components of the regenerative braking system are not in physical contact substantially decreasing the wear and tear of the components. Further, since the regenerative braking is activated automatically much higher efficiency of regenerative braking system is achieved.

[0010] The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The foregoing and further objects, features, and advantages of the present subject matter will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals are used to represent like elements.

[0012] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter, and are, therefore, not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the subject matter may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0013] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, reference is made to the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates a regenerative braking activation system 100 in an example embodiment of the present subject matter..

[0015] Figure 2 illustrates a regenerative braking activation system 200 in accordance with an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0016] Figure 3 illustrates an output of first sensor in example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0017] Figure 4 shows a regenerative braking activation method 400 in an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0018] Figure 5 shows a method 500 for regenerative braking in an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0019] Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Any feature of any drawing may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The embodiments of the present subject matter are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present subject matter is not limited to these embodiments which are only provided to explain more clearly the present subject matter to the ordinarily skilled in the art of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.

[0021] This invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology andterminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0022] Various aspects of the proposed system and method are described fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. The teachings disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different models with variations and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that any aspect disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim, and also that the following detailed description does not limit the claims.

[0023] Also, all logical units described and depicted in the figures include the software and / or hardware components required for the unit to function. Further, each unit may comprise within itself one or more components which are implicitly understood. These components may be operatively coupled to each other and be configured to communicate with each other to perform the function of the said unit.

[0024] In overview, embodiments of the present disclosure discloses regenerative braking activation system. Throughout the specification, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a regenerative braking activation system 100 in an example embodiment of the present subject matter. According to the present subject matter the regenerative braking system 100 comprises a casing 102. In an example, the casing 102 may be made up of materials, such as plastics, polymers, copolymers, carbon fiber etc. In an example, the casing 102 may be weatherproof and shockproof to completely protect components of the regenerative braking activation system 100.

[0026] Further, the regenerative braking activation system 100 comprises a plunger 104. The plunger may be made up of materials, such as plastics, polymers, copolymers, carbon fiber, Polybutylene terephthalate, steel, etc.

[0027] According to the present subject matter, the plunger 104 comprises a magnet 106. In an example, the plunger 104 may comprise a recess and the magnet 106 may be embedded in the recess of the plunger 104. In an example, the magnet may be natural magnet, permanent magnet, an electromagnet, a superconducting magnet etc.

[0028] Further, the regenerative braking activation system 100 comprises an actuator 108 engaged with the plunger 104. The actuator 108 may be made up of material plastics, polymers, co-polymers, carbon fiber etc. While breaking a vehicle, the actuator 108 moves in a direction as shown by the arrow 110. The movement of the actuator 108 results in translation movement of the plunger 104 in the direction 110. The magnet 106 moves along with the plunger 104 in the direction 110. When the plunger 104 moves a predetermined distance, the magnet 110 also moves towards a first sensor 112, and a magnetic flux of the magnet 106 linked with the first sensor 112 changes. An output of the first sensor 112 is provided to the regenerative braking unit 114. When the output of the first sensor 112 reaches a predetermined threshold, the regenerative braking unit 114 activates regenerative braking for the vehicle. In an example, during regenerative braking an electric motor functions as electric generator to produce power which is in turn is stored in a battery pack of the vehicle.

[0029] Additionally, the regenerative braking activation system 100 may include a feedback mechanism that provides real-time data on braking performance. The feedback mechanism may be connected to a vehicle's dashboard or display unit, allowing a driver to monitor the effectiveness of regenerative braking and energy recovery.

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates a regenerative braking activation system 200 in accordance with an example implementation of the present subject matter. The regenerative braking activation system 200 comprises a casing 202, a plunger 204, a magnet 206, and an actuator 208, similar to the casing 102, the plunger 104, the magnet 106, and the actuator 208 discussed with reference to figure 1.

[0031] According to the present subject matter, in normal position, the plunger 204 compresses a tension element 210 and the actuator 208 prevents outward movement of the plunger 204. In an example, the tension element 210 may be helical shaped compression spring.

[0032] The regenerative braking activation system 200 comprises a first sensor 214. In an example, the first sensor 214 is a magnetic sensor, such as hall sensor, tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor or the like. Such magnetic sensors can detect a change in magnetic flux and generate an output voltage.

[0033] In operation, when brakes are applied on the vehicle, the actuator 208 moves outward in a direction 212. Along with the movement of the actuator 208, the plunger 204 also moves in the direction 212. As explained above, when the plunger 204 moves, a magnetic flux of the magnet 206 linked with a first sensor 214 changes.

[0034] As explained above, in an example, the first sensor 214 is a magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor provides ‘voltage’ as an output. According to the present subject matter, an output generated by the first sensor 214 is provided to a regenerative braking unit 216. Thus, when magnet 206 moves closer to the first sensor 214, the output voltage increases and the same is indicated to the regenerative braking unit 216. When a predetermined level of voltage is detected by the regenerative braking unit 216, the regenerative braking unit 216 activates the regenerative braking for the vehicle.

[0035] In an example, the predetermined level of output (voltage) is reached when the plunger has travelled at least 3 millimeters (mm) in the direction 212. In another example, the predetermined level of output is reached when the plunger 204 has travelled at least 1mm in the direction 212. Thus, a sensitivity of the activation of the regenerative braking can be controlled by varying the threshold voltage that is used to initiate regenerative braking.

[0036] According to the present subject matter, the regenerative braking activation system 200 further comprises a second sensor 218 coupled to a light unit 220. The second sensor 218 may also be a magnetic sensor which can detect a change in magnetic flux when the magnet 206 moves. According to the present subject matter, when the brakes are applied on the vehicle, plunger 204 moves in a direction 212,the second sensor 218 is activated as result of change in magnetic flux linked with the second sensor 218 when the plunger 204 moves a predetermined distance. The activation of the second sensor 218 activates the light unit 220. The light unit 220 switches ON at least one light of the vehicle. In an example, the light unit 220 switches ON rear lights of the vehicle ensuring that the rear lights are switched ON during braking. In another example, any other light of the vehicle may be switch ON during braking.

[0037] According to an example implementation of the present subject matter, the first sensor 214, the second sensor 218 are disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) 222. All the electrical connections of the first sensor 214 and the second sensor 218 may be made via the PCB 222. For example, a power connection to provide power to the first sensor 214 and the second sensor 218 may be provided via the PCB 222. Further, an output connection to the regeneration braking unit 216 and light unit 220 may be made via the PCB 222.

[0038] According to an example implementation of the present subject matter, the first sensor 214, the second sensor 218, PCB 222 may be enclosed with a housing 224. The housing 224 may be weatherproof and shockproof to completely protect the first sensor 214, the second sensor 218, and the PCB 222.

[0039] Further, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter an amount of regeneration may be controlled based on a distance moved by the plunger 204. In an example, after the regenerative braking is activated, based on the amount of plunger movement, a magnitude of regenerative braking can be increased. For example, for a 7mm movement of plunger 204, 40 percent regenerative braking may be applied while for 10mm movement of the plunger 204 70 percent regenertaive braking may be applied on the vehicle.

[0040] Figure 3 illustrates an output of first sensor in example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0041] In the figure 3, on vertical line a voltage output of the first sensor, such as the first sensor 112 is plotted while on the horizontal line a distance travelled by a plunger, such as the plunger 104 is plotted. An output, here voltage, of the first sensor is shown by line 302.

[0042] When the plunger is at rest at 0mm, the output voltage of the first sensor is 0.2v. When the plunger has moved 3mm, a predetermined voltage of 0.6v, indicated by 304 is achieved. When the predetermined voltage is achieved, a regenerative braking unit, such as the regenerative braking unit 216 activates the regenerative braking of the vehicle.

[0043] Further, according to the present subject matter, a magnitude of regeneration applied may vary based on how much distance is travelled by the plunger. For example, at 3mm, a value of the regenertaive braking is minimum while at 5mm the magnitude of regenerative braking activation system braking is increased.

[0044] According to the example explained above, the plunger can travel a maximum distance of 11mm. At 11mm, the output of the first sensor is 4.8v. At 11mm, the output of 4.8v is provided to the regeneration braking unit and the regenerative braking unit applies the maximum amount of regeneration for the vehicle.

[0045] Further, a magnitude of regenerative braking is determined based on a rate of movement of the plunger. When hard brakes are applied on the vehicle, the plunger will move very fast and as a result a slope of the output 302 will increase. The regenerative braking unit may monitor the slope of the output 302 and the magnitude of regenerative braking may be controlled based on the slope. When the value of the slope is higher, high magnitude of regenerative braking is applied compared to scenarios when the slope of the output is lower.

[0046] It should be understood that figure 3 is only for representative purposes and any values of voltages and distances may be used in further example embodiments.

[0047] Figure 4 shows a regenerative braking activation method 400 in an example implementation of the present subject matter. It should be understood that the method steps are shown as a reference only and sequence of the method steps should not be construed as limitation. The method steps can include any additional steps in any order. Although the method 400 may be implemented in any apparatus, the example method 400 is provided in reference to the apparatus 400 for ease of explanation.

[0048] At block 402, movement of a plunger is detected via a first sensor, such as the first sensor 112. An output of the first sensor is provided to a regenerativebraking unit, such as the regenerative braking unit 114. The first sensor is not in physical contact with the plunger.

[0049] At block 404, the output of the first sensor is analyzed. In an example, the output is analyzed by the regenerative braking unit 114. When the output reaches a predetermined level, regenerative braking is activated at block 406. In an example, the first sensor is a magnetic sensor and the output of the first sensor is ‘voltage’. Thus, when a predetermined level of voltage is reached, regenerative braking is activated.

[0050] Figure 5 shows a method 500 for regenerative braking in an example implementation of the present subject matter. It should be understood that the method steps are shown as a reference only and sequence of the method steps should not be construed as limitation. The method steps can include any additional steps in any order. Although the method 500 may be implemented in any system, the example method 500 is provided in reference to the system 100 or system 200 for ease of explanation.

[0051] At block 502, a movement of a plunger via a first sensor and a second sensor is detected to generate a first output and a second output. Further, a first output is provided to a regenerative braking unit and a second output is provided to a rear light unit. The first sensor and second sensor is not in physical contact with the plunger.

[0052] At block 504, the first output is analyzed to determine if a first predetermined level of threshold is reached and at block 506 the second output is analyzed to determine if a second predetermined level of threshold is reached.

[0053] At block 508, regenerative brakes are activated when the first predetermined level of the first output is reached, and rear lights are activated when the second predetermined level of the second output is reached.

[0054] Further, at block 510, an increase in first output is determined after the first predetermined level of the first output is reached and accordingly, the regenertaive braking is increased in response to increase in the first output. Thus, the amount of the regenerative braking can be controlled based on the distance travelled by the plunger. This increased the efficiency of the regenerative braking. Further, since the components, such as the first sensor, the second sensor, and the plunger are notin contact there is minimal wear and tear of the components. Thus, according to the present invention, the components can last for more than 500000 plus cycles.

[0033] Although the present invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as herein described.

[0034] A person skilled in the art may be clearly aware that, the descriptions of the embodiments provided in this application may be referred to each other. For convenience and conciseness, for example, for functions of the devices provided in the embodiments of this application and the performed steps, refer to related descriptions of the method embodiments of this application. The method embodiments and the device embodiments may also be referred to each other or combined with each other.

[0035] In the several embodiments provided in this application, the disclosed system, device, and method may be implemented in another manner. For example, some features of the method embodiments described above may be ignored or not performed. The described device embodiments are merely examples.

[0036] The term based on is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on”

[0037] As used herein the terms “and” and “or” may be used interchangeably to refer to a set of items in both the conjunctive and disjunctive in order to encompass the full description of combinations and alternatives of the items. In either case, the set is to be interpreted as meaning each of the items singularly as alternatives, as well as any combination of the listed items.

[0038] The description above is merely illustrating the technical scope of the present disclosure, and various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be implemented separately or in combination with each other.

[0039] The embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are intended to illustrate rather than limit the scope of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure should be construed by claims below, and all technical spirits within a range equivalent to claims should be construed as being included in the right scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] While only certain features have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

Claims

I / We claim:

1. A regenerative braking activation system for a vehicle, the system comprising:a plunger comprising a magnet;a first sensor provided in proximity to the plunger and not in physical contact with the plunger;an actuator, engaged with the plunger, to cause a translational motion of the plunger when an external force is applied to the actuator, wherein the translational motion of the plunger changes a magnetic flux, of the magnet, linked with the first sensor generating an output;a regenerative braking unit to receive input from the first sensor and initiate regenerative braking in the vehicle when the output reaches a predetermined threshold.

2. The regenerative brake activation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the external force is applied while applying brakes of the vehicle.

3. The regenerative brake activation system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the regenerative brake activating system comprises a second sensor in proximity of the plunger, the second sensor being activated by the movement of the plunger by a predetermined distance.

4. The regenerative brake activation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second sensor is not in physical contact with the plunger.

5. The regenerative brake activation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the activation of the second sensor switches ON at least one light of a vehicle.

6. The regenerative brake activation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sensor, and the second sensor are enclosed in a weatherproof and shockproof housing.

7. The regenerative brake activation system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first sensor switches ON at least one light of the vehicle when the second sensor has failed.

8. The regenerative brake activation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second sensor is a magnetic field sensor.

9. The regenerative brake activation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a magnitude of regenerative braking is determined based on a distance moved by the plunger.

10. The regenerative brake activation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a magnitude of regenerative braking is determined based on a rate of movement of the plunger.

11. The regenerative brake activation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet.

12. The regenerative brake activation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnet is an electromagnet.

13. The regenerative brake activation system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plunger is horizontally laid, and the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) and lies at a fixed vertical distance from the plunger.

14. A regenerative braking activation method for a vehicle, the method comprising:detecting a movement of a plunger via a first sensor and providing an output to a regenerative braking unit, wherein the first sensor is not in physical contact with the plunger;analyzing the output to determine that a predetermined level of output is reached;activating regenerative brakes when the predetermined level of output is reached.

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