Auto Braking Control for Dynamic Vehicle Test Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle testing systems for controlled braking are not optimal, particularly when different operators apply brake pedals differently or when testing autonomous vehicles without brake pedals, leading to inconsistent and suboptimal braking results.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that engage a vehicle on a roll test machine using inertial rollers to simulate road mass, with optical encoders providing brake pressure instructions and adjustments to ensure brake force measurements are within a predetermined range, allowing for consistent and controlled braking without manual pedal application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual brake pedal application is used by different operators, then the braking system can be tested, but the braking results become inconsistent and suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own brake pedal mechanism to apply braking force automatically through a control system, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The brake pedal is actuated by a motor or actuator that applies precise, repeatable force based on test parameters, allowing the system to test itself without human involvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation (operator pressing brake pedal) with an automated mechanical actuation system. A motor-driven actuator or servo mechanism substitutes for the human operator's foot pressure, providing consistent, programmable brake application that can be precisely controlled and repeated across multiple test cycles.
2Reliability
If automated brake pressure control is implemented, then braking consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions: it monitors brake pedal position, controls actuator movement, measures braking force, and adjusts pressure in real-time. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise automated brake pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor brake pedal position, braking force, and vehicle response. This feedback is fed back to the control system, which automatically adjusts actuator output to maintain desired brake pressure levels. The closed-loop feedback mechanism simplifies control by allowing the system to self-correct rather than requiring complex open-loop control algorithms.
3Force
If brake pressure is increased to ensure adequate braking force, then braking effectiveness improves, but the risk of exceeding predetermined force range increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor the actual braking force applied and feed this information back to the control system. When the measured brake force approaches the upper limit of the predetermined range, the control system automatically reduces actuator output to prevent exceeding the target range, ensuring accurate and reliable brake force measurements throughout the test.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts brake pressure during the test based on real-time measurements and vehicle response. Rather than applying a fixed high pressure, the control system modulates actuator output to maintain brake force within the optimal range, adapting to changing test conditions and vehicle characteristics to ensure measurement accuracy.
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
This approach enables consistent and controlled vehicle braking during testing, ensuring brake force measurements are within a desired range, improving testing reliability and consistency for vehicles with and without brake pedals, and allowing for automated simulation of braking without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, via one or more optical encoders of the roll test machine, calculated data for the vehicle during testing of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
coupling each of a plurality of inertial rollers to a corresponding one of a plurality of wheels of the vehicle, such that the inertial rollers simulate a road mass for the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with exemplary embodiments, methods and systems are provided for automatically controlling braking of a vehicle during testing. In an exemplary embodiments, a testing assembly is provided that includes a roll test machine and a tester system. The roll test machine includes a flat surface, a plurality of rollers, and one or more optical controllers. The plurality of rollers are configured to engage a vehicle on the flat surface for testing of the vehicle. The one or more optical encoders are configured to generate wheel speed and brake force data for the vehicle during testing of the vehicle. The tester system includes a processor configured to at least facilitate generating instructions for brake pressure to be applied via a braking system of the vehicle during the testing of the vehicle.