Antilock Braking Control via Road Surface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle braking systems fail to effectively balance braking distance and steering control across various road surfaces, particularly on slippery or uneven terrain, leading to increased stopping distances and reduced driver control.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses a camera and electronic control unit to determine the type of road surface and adjust the braking system operation, enabling or disabling antilock braking based on the road surface type and steering angle to optimize stopping distance and maintain steering control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If antilock braking is activated on all road surfaces, then braking distance is reduced on slippery surfaces, but steering control is lost on loose surfaces like gravel
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between antilock braking mode and threshold braking mode based on detected road surface conditions and steering angle. On loose surfaces like gravel, the system disables antilock braking when steering input is detected, allowing wheels to lock and plow through the surface while maintaining steering control. On paved surfaces, antilock braking remains active to optimize stopping distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the braking control parameters based on road surface type detection. The electronic control unit adjusts braking pressure modulation strategies according to whether the surface is paved or loose, and whether steering input is present. This allows optimization of braking performance for each specific condition rather than using a fixed antilock braking algorithm.
2Device complexity
If a fixed braking control strategy is used, then system complexity is reduced, but braking performance cannot be optimized for different road surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of road surface conditions using a camera and image processing before activating the appropriate braking mode. The electronic control unit analyzes images to determine if the surface is paved or loose, and detects steering angle in advance, then pre-positions the braking system in the appropriate control mode (antilock or threshold braking) before braking is initiated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an image processing intermediary between the driver's braking input and the actual braking application. The camera captures road surface images, the electronic control unit processes these images to determine surface type, and then the antilock braking system adjusts its operation accordingly. This intermediary layer enables adaptive braking performance without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method of operating an antilock braking system in a vehicle. The system and method include an electronic control unit that monitors an angle sensor to determine whether the vehicle is moving straight. The electronic control unit also monitors a plurality of images produced from a vehicle camera orientated towards a road surface. The electronic control unit determines a type of road surface and whether the road surface is slippery based on these images. The electronic control unit operates the antilock braking system in a plurality of modes depending on information received about the road surface and the angle sensor.