Adaptive ABS Mode Switching for Trailer Braking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic brake systems in vehicles, particularly trailer vehicles, require manual driver intervention to switch from standard to off-road mode, leading to longer braking distances when this is forgotten, as they lack automatic detection of off-road conditions, resulting in suboptimal anti-lock braking performance on uneven surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The system automatically switches the anti-lock braking function between standard and off-road modes based on signals from axle load sensors and inclination sensors, allowing greater slip in off-road modes to adapt to varying terrain conditions, including detecting downhill gradients to intensify the off-road mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the anti-lock braking function is activated in standard mode on firm level ground, then braking distance is shortened, but on uneven loose surfaces the braking distance becomes longer due to wheel slip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking performanceVSAvoidadaptability to different terrain conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-lock braking function dynamically switches between standard mode and off-road mode based on terrain detection. The system adapts its braking control characteristics in real-time according to the detected ground conditions, allowing greater wheel slip in off-road mode compared to standard mode, thereby optimizing braking performance for each terrain type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from terrain detection sensors (axle load sensors and inclination sensors) to automatically determine whether the vehicle is operating on firm level ground or uneven loose surfaces. This feedback mechanism enables automatic mode switching without driver intervention, ensuring the appropriate braking mode is active for the current terrain conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the driver manually switches off the anti-lock braking function for off-road driving, then braking performance on loose surfaces improves, but the driver may forget to switch, resulting in longer braking distances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking performance on loose surfacesVSAvoidmanual switching operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting terrain conditions and switching between standard and off-road modes without requiring driver intervention. The terrain detection sensors continuously monitor ground conditions and automatically adjust the braking function mode, eliminating the need for manual switching and ensuring the correct mode is always active.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously receives feedback from axle load sensors and inclination sensors to automatically determine the appropriate braking mode. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the anti-lock braking function adapts to terrain conditions automatically, removing the burden of manual switching from the driver while maintaining optimal braking performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the anti-lock braking function allows greater slip in off-road mode, then braking distance on uneven surfaces is reduced, but the system lacks automatic detection capability requiring driver intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking distance on uneven surfacesVSAvoidautomatic terrain detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic terrain detection using feedback from axle load sensors and inclination sensors. These sensors continuously monitor vehicle behavior and ground conditions, providing the control unit with information about whether the vehicle is on firm level ground or uneven loose surfaces, enabling automatic mode switching without driver intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The terrain detection sensors act as intermediaries between the physical terrain conditions and the anti-lock braking control system. The axle load sensors and inclination sensors detect ground conditions and translate them into signals that the control unit uses to automatically switch between standard and off-road modes, bridging the gap between environmental conditions and system response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Extent of automation

If the system uses axle load sensors and inclination sensors for automatic terrain detection, then automatic mode switching is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic mode switchingVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves multi-functionality by utilizing axle load sensors and inclination sensors that serve both terrain detection and other vehicle functions. These sensors provide information for automatic mode switching while also contributing to overall vehicle monitoring and control, reducing the need for dedicated sensors solely for terrain detection and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2853452B1Method and system for controlling an electronic braking system
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 ZF CV SYST HANNOVER GMBH
  • EP2853452B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2853452B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling an electronic braking system in a vehicle with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), particularly in a trailer, wherein the vehicle has at least one axle load sensor. According to the invention, the ABS operates in at least two different modes: a standard mode, at least on firm, level surfaces, and an off-road mode in all other situations. Signals from the axle load sensor are evaluated to detect the nature of the surface. Depending on the signals from the axle load sensor, the ABS switches between standard mode and off-road mode, and vice versa, with the ABS allowing greater wheel slip in off-road mode than in standard mode.