ATV Brake Control Modes for Tighter Turning Radius
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Solution Overview
Problem
Larger all terrain vehicles face challenges in maneuverability due to increased turning radius, which is limited by wheelbase length and steered wheel cut angles, necessitating a system to reduce turning radius.
Innovation Solution
A braking system with a hydraulic and electric controller unit (HECU) independently controls brake pressure to ground-engaging members, utilizing modes like cutter brake and engine flare hold to adjust turning radius and prevent movement during start-up, and transition between driving modes based on sensor inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wheelbase length is reduced to decrease turning radius, then the turning radius is reduced, but the vehicle cargo space and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic brake pressure control to different wheels during turning operations. The HECU dynamically adjusts brake pressure based on wheel speed sensors and steering angle inputs, applying greater pressure to the inner wheel to generate yaw moment and reduce turning radius without requiring a shorter wheelbase, thereby preserving cargo space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of brake pressure applied to individual wheels based on turning conditions. By varying brake pressure parameters dynamically during turns, the system achieves reduced turning radius while maintaining the fixed wheelbase length and associated cargo space.
2Ease of operation
If the steered wheel cut angles are maximized to decrease turning radius, then the turning radius is reduced, but the mechanical design architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution of increased steered wheel cut angles with an electronic control system. The HECU uses sensor inputs (wheel speed, steering angle) to calculate and apply appropriate brake pressure electronically, substituting complex mechanical steering modifications with a more manageable electronic braking control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The HECU acts as an intermediary between the driver's steering input and the braking action. Instead of directly modifying the mechanical steering architecture to increase cut angles, the system uses the HECU to mediate and apply brake pressure as an intermediate force to achieve the desired turning radius reduction.
3Ease of operation
If brake pressure is applied to reduce turning radius during a turn, then the turning radius is reduced, but unwanted vehicle movement may occur during start-up
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from wheel speed sensors and steering angle sensors to continuously monitor vehicle conditions. The HECU processes this feedback information to determine when to apply brake pressure for turning radius reduction and when to hold the brakes to prevent unwanted movement during start-up, dynamically adjusting based on real-time vehicle state.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake control system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on vehicle operating conditions. During start-up, the system dynamically holds brake pressure to prevent movement, then transitions to dynamic brake pressure modulation during turns to reduce turning radius, adapting to the changing operational requirements.
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
Enhances maneuverability by reducing turning radius and preventing unwanted movement, improving the vehicle's agility and control in off-road conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a braking system comprising a hydraulic and electric controller unit (HECU) operably coupled to the plurality of ground-engaging members and configured to generate yaw to reduce a turning radius of the all terrain vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a braking system comprising a hydraulic and electric controller unit (HECU)
Data Source
AI summary
An all terrain vehicle may include a braking system comprising a hydraulic and electric controller unit (HECU) operably coupled to the plurality of ground-engaging members. The HECU may receive sensor information from the one or more sensors and determine whether the all terrain vehicle is encountering a wheel locking event based on the sensor information. The wheel locking event may indicate the plurality of ground-engaging members are unable to turn. The HECU also may determine whether the all terrain vehicle is encountering a turning event based on the sensor information and operate in an HECU intervention mode based on an indication that the all terrain vehicle is encountering the wheel locking event and the turning event. The HECU intervention mode permits the HECU to control the plurality of ground-engaging members based on steering input.