Auxiliary Brake Control for Downhill Vehicle Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle motion control systems, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles, struggle with inefficient torque regulation when driving downhill, failing to account for resistive forces and leading to poor comfort and control due to imprecise torque configurations and driver errors.
Innovation Solution
A computer system controls auxiliary brakes based on real-time acceleration conditions, adjusting torque to match vehicle dynamics, including driveline engagement/disengagement, to maintain desired acceleration and improve control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If predefined torque configurations are used for auxiliary brakes, then the control system is simple to operate, but the system cannot adapt to varying resistive forces such as inclination, rolling resistance, and air drag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static predefined torque configurations to dynamic acceleration-based control. The auxiliary brake torque is continuously adjusted based on real-time acceleration measurements, allowing the system to adapt to varying resistive forces while maintaining simple operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses acceleration sensors to provide continuous feedback on vehicle motion state. This feedback loop enables the control system to automatically adjust auxiliary brake torque to match actual driving conditions, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.
2Ease of manufacture
If discrete torque configurations are used, then the control system is easier to manufacture, but the motion control precision deteriorates leading to irregular vehicle motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical torque configuration adjustments with electronic control based on acceleration feedback. This substitution allows continuous torque adjustment without complex mechanical mechanisms, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving precise motion control through software-based regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from discrete torque levels to continuous acceleration-based control. By regulating torque as a function of measured acceleration, the system achieves precise motion control while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple through electronic rather than mechanical complexity.
3Device complexity
If manual torque configuration switching is required, then the system structure is simpler, but driver errors and forgetfulness increase leading to suboptimal fuel consumption and vehicle control
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-regulation of auxiliary brake torque based on automatic acceleration measurement and control algorithm execution. This eliminates the need for driver intervention in torque configuration selection, removing the source of human error while adding minimal complexity through automated sensing and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated feedback control system continuously monitors acceleration and adjusts torque accordingly, eliminating reliance on driver memory and manual switching. This feedback mechanism significantly improves reliability by ensuring optimal torque application without driver intervention, while the added complexity remains manageable through electronic automation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If auxiliary brakes convert torque to electrical energy continuously, then energy regeneration is maximized, but fuel consumption increases when not needed for vehicle control
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies auxiliary brake torque periodically or intermittently based on actual acceleration needs rather than continuously. By activating regenerative braking only when acceleration control is required, the system optimizes the balance between energy regeneration and fuel consumption, avoiding unnecessary energy conversion when the vehicle is already at desired speed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer system (500) comprising a processor device (502) configured to control an acceleration of a vehicle (1) is provided. The vehicle (1) comprises a set of auxiliary brakes (10). The processor device (502) obtains an acceleration condition of the vehicle (1). The acceleration condition being indicative of any one out of: an acceleration of the vehicle (1), the absolute value of which is below a predetermined acceleration limit value; a predefined positive acceleration of the vehicle (1), and a predefined negative acceleration of the vehicle (1). The processor device (502) is further configured to, in response to determining that the vehicle (1) can be controlled in accordance with said obtained acceleration condition using said set of auxiliary brakes (10), control said set of auxiliary brakes (10) in accordance with said obtained acceleration condition of the vehicle (1).