Adaptive Regenerative Brake Pedal Mapping for Variable Deceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles with regenerative braking systems face challenges in providing a variable deceleration force that mimics the 'Jake Brake' experience, leading to increased wear on brake components and a less-than-smooth operator experience, as the current regenerative braking torque is fixed and does not adapt to driver or vehicle behavior.
Innovation Solution
A continuously adaptable braking pedal system that uses an electronic control unit to adjust regenerative braking torque based on an adaptable pedal map, which is selected based on driver or vehicle behavior patterns and user input, allowing for variable deceleration forces and simulating a Jake Brake experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a fixed regenerative braking torque is applied, then the electric powertrain can recover kinetic energy to recharge batteries, but the deceleration force is constant and does not match driver preferences, causing increased wear on brake components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pedal map that continuously adapts the regenerative braking torque based on driver behavior patterns and vehicle operating conditions. The electronic control unit modifies the mapping between brake pedal position and regenerative braking torque in real-time, transforming the fixed deceleration force into a variable force that responds to driver intentions and environmental factors, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy recovery and driver comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of regenerative braking torque by adjusting the pedal map based on detected driver behavior patterns. The electronic control unit modifies torque values across different pedal positions dynamically, allowing the regenerative braking force to adapt to varying driver preferences and conditions, thus improving both energy recovery efficiency and operational comfort
2Reliability
If a fixed regenerative braking torque is applied, then the electric motor can provide consistent deceleration, but it cannot simulate the Jake Brake feel that operators expect, leading to increased brake pedal depression and component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the regenerative braking torque adaptive rather than fixed. The electronic control unit continuously adjusts the torque output based on real-time driver behavior analysis and pedal map modifications, enabling the system to simulate variable deceleration patterns similar to Jake Brake while maintaining reliable and consistent overall deceleration performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor driver behavior patterns, brake pedal usage, and vehicle operating conditions. The electronic control unit uses this feedback to continuously refine the pedal map and adjust regenerative braking torque, creating a closed-loop control system that reduces brake component wear while maintaining reliable deceleration consistency
3Speed
If the brake pedal is depressed frequently to achieve aggressive deceleration, then the driver gets the desired deceleration effect, but wear and tear on brake pads and other components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of regenerative braking torque dynamically by adjusting the pedal map based on driver behavior. The electronic control unit modifies torque values to provide aggressive deceleration when needed while primarily relying on regenerative braking, significantly reducing brake pad wear and substance loss compared to frequent mechanical braking
4Ease of operation
If a continuously adaptable pedal map is implemented, then the regenerative braking torque can be adjusted to match driver preferences and reduce brake wear, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal electronic control unit that performs multiple functions: monitoring driver behavior, analyzing patterns, selecting appropriate pedal maps, and controlling regenerative braking torque. This multi-functional approach achieves adaptable regenerative braking without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same control unit handles diverse tasks through integrated software algorithms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces wear on brake components by adapting regenerative braking torque to match driver preferences, providing a smoother and more operator-friendly experience by varying deceleration forces in response to driver behavior and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the electric motor may be used as a generator to charge the battery and provide electric braking. This allows the electric powertrain to recover some of the kinetic energy of the vehicle in order to recharge its batteries
Implementation Method 2
The inverter may be configured to control the regenerative braking torque of the electric motor and convert alternating current (AC) obtained from the electric motor into direct current (DC) that is stored in a battery of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus for a continuously adaptable braking pedal system. The braking system includes an electric motor that is configured to generate regenerative energy and provide a regenerative braking torque. The braking system includes an electronic control unit coupled to the electric motor. The electronic control unit is configured to determine an amount of the regenerative braking torque to be applied based on an adaptable pedal map and an amount of braking force. The electronic control unit is configured to control an amount of the regenerative braking torque to be applied.