Brake Assist System for Engine Braking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle braking systems face challenges when traveling downhill, particularly in managing excessive brake temperature and load, which can lead to brake malfunction and reduced efficiency, especially when engine braking is not adequately assisted.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detect braking conditions such as excessive brake temperature and load, and secondary conditions like engine and transmission system states, to automatically downshift gears and engage engine braking when vehicle acceleration is low, thereby reducing brake load and temperature through engine braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver manually downshifts gears to engage engine braking, then the braking load on the braking system is reduced, but the complexity of operation increases and may not respond quickly enough to prevent brake overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system automatically detects its own temperature and load conditions, and self-regulates by controlling transmission downshifting to engage engine braking, eliminating the need for manual driver intervention while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors brake temperature and loading conditions, using this feedback to automatically determine when downshifting is needed to engage engine braking and reduce brake load, creating a closed-loop control system that responds dynamically to actual brake conditions
2Productivity
If the braking system operates continuously under high load during steep descents, then the vehicle can maintain control, but the brake temperature increases excessively leading to brake malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of continuous braking into a beneficial engine braking effect by automatically downshifting gears, using the engine's compression resistance to slow the vehicle and thereby reducing brake temperature while maintaining braking efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the transmission gear ratio based on real-time brake temperature and load conditions, automatically selecting lower gears to engage engine braking when needed, making the braking approach adaptive rather than static
3Reliability
If the system automatically downshifts to engage engine braking, then brake temperature and load are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single automated mechanism: it monitors brake conditions, determines optimal gear ratios, controls downshifting timing, and manages engine braking engagement, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the sophisticated control logic required
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 effectively assists the braking system by reducing brake temperature and load, enhancing braking efficiency and preventing brake malfunction during steep descents, while minimizing interference with driver intent and maintaining vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
the driver can manually downshift gears in the vehicle transmission system, thereby generating a braking load within the engine that decelerates the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a vehicle having a transmission system, an engine system, and a braking system includes detecting a braking condition of the braking system. The braking condition is at least one of a brake temperature being above a predetermined brake temperature limit and a braking load being above a predetermined braking load limit. The method also includes detecting a second condition of at least one of the transmission system and the engine system. The method also includes determining whether the second condition satisfies predetermined criteria. Furthermore, the method includes detecting an absolute vehicle acceleration that is below a predetermined acceleration limit. Moreover, the method includes downshifting from a current gear to a lower gear to thereby cause engine braking when the braking condition is satisfied, the second condition satisfies the predetermined criteria, and the absolute vehicle acceleration is below the predetermined acceleration limit.