Brake Control System for Smooth Hill Descent
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake control systems for motor vehicles on slopes often result in jerky hill descents due to inadequate control over vehicle acceleration, especially when the vehicle gathers speed after brake release and requires heavy braking to maintain target speed.
Innovation Solution
A brake control system that detects vehicle acceleration and applies a braking effort when it exceeds a set acceleration limit, dynamically adjusted based on desired drive torque, gradient, and driver intent, ensuring smooth hill descent by integrating movement sensing and brake actuation means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If brake control systems use target speed-based control for hill descent, then vehicle speed can be maintained within a range, but jerky movements occur when the vehicle gathers speed after brake release and requires heavy braking to maintain target speed
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control parameter from target speed to acceleration limit. By monitoring and limiting vehicle acceleration rather than directly controlling speed, the system prevents jerky movements while maintaining smooth hill descent control. The acceleration limit is set to a predetermined value that ensures comfortable and controlled descent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle acceleration using movement sensing means and provides feedback to the brake control means. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when acceleration exceeds the predetermined limit and immediately apply braking force to correct the deviation, ensuring smooth and controlled hill descent throughout the descent.
2Ease of operation
If brake control systems release brakes to allow vehicle movement on slope, then vehicle can transition from stationary to hill descent, but inadequate control over acceleration results in jerky hill descent
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from speed-based control to acceleration-based control. By setting a predetermined acceleration limit and monitoring actual acceleration, the system ensures that brake release and subsequent movement occur within smooth acceleration boundaries, eliminating jerky movements during the transition from stationary to hill descent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes an acceleration limit before hill descent begins. This preliminary setting of the acceleration parameter ensures that when brakes are released for hill descent, the vehicle acceleration remains controlled from the outset, preventing jerky movements during the critical transition phase.
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
The system provides enhanced control and smooth hill descent by accurately determining and managing vehicle acceleration, conforming to driver intentions and slope conditions, thereby reducing jerky movements and improving traction.
Implementation Method 1
movement sensing means for detecting movement of the vehicle, wherein the brake control means is arranged to determine an acceleration of the vehicle based on movement detected by the movement sensing means
Data Source
AI summary
A brake control system for a motor vehicle having a plurality of wheels, brakes for applying a braking effort to one or more of the wheels, and a movement sensor for detecting movement of the vehicle. The system comprises a brake actuator for actuating the brakes to supply a braking effort and a brake controller for controlling the brake actuator. The brake controller is configured to determine an acceleration of the vehicle based on movement detected by the movement sensor and to ensure that the brake actuator supplies a braking effort if the determined acceleration exceeds a set acceleration limit.