Brake Blending Control Based on Occupant Seating Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brake blending control systems using auxiliary brakes with discrete deceleration values can compromise occupant safety by causing loss of posture when occupants are not seated, due to uneven vehicle deceleration.
Innovation Solution
A brake control apparatus that determines whether occupants are seated using in-vehicle cameras and weight sensors, and selectively uses main brakes without auxiliary brakes when occupants are not seated, or uses both main and auxiliary brakes when they are seated, to ensure smooth deceleration and occupant safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If auxiliary brake is used to decelerate vehicle, then deceleration capability is improved, but occupant safety deteriorates due to loss of posture
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the deceleration parameter from discrete values to continuous values by using main brake control. When an unseated occupant is detected, the control apparatus switches from auxiliary brake (discrete deceleration) to main brake (continuous deceleration), allowing smooth velocity reduction that prevents occupant posture loss while maintaining deceleration capability.
2Device complexity
If auxiliary brake with discrete deceleration values is used, then braking control is simplified, but vehicle speed reduction smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the braking mode based on occupant detection results. When unseated occupants are detected, the control apparatus dynamically switches to main brake control which provides continuous and smooth deceleration. This dynamic adaptation ensures velocity smoothness while maintaining relatively simple control structure through automated mode selection.
3Reliability
If main brake is used exclusively for deceleration, then occupant safety is improved, but brake wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different braking qualities to different situations based on occupant status. When seated occupants are detected, the auxiliary brake is used which provides strong deceleration with less wear. When unseated occupants are detected, the main brake is used to ensure smooth deceleration and occupant safety. This localized quality adaptation optimizes both safety and wear reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action of auxiliary brake when conditions permit (seated occupants), applying it only partially in terms of usage frequency rather than continuously. This partial usage reduces wear on the main brake while still achieving the primary goal of vehicle deceleration, thereby reducing overall brake wear without compromising safety when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake control apparatus includes a deceleration control part that decelerates a vehicle either in a first brake control mode using a main brake and an auxiliary brake that uses discrete deceleration values, or in a second brake control mode using the main brake without the auxiliary brake, a determination part that determines whether or not occupants in the vehicle are seated in seats of the vehicle, and a selection part that selects the first brake control mode if the determination part determines that the occupants are seated in the seats, and selects the second brake control mode if the determination part determines that the occupant is not seated in the seat.