Brake Control System Temperature Feedback for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The braking systems of vehicles with partial electric traction face variability in braking distance due to brake disc temperature, leading to inconsistent braking effects and potential abrupt decelerations, which is critical for both driver-operated and autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating temperature sensor means, such as thermocouples, to detect brake unit temperatures and adjust the split between active and passive braking torque dynamically, allowing the electronic unit to control the brake control system and electric machine to maintain consistent braking performance across varying temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle uses a mixed braking system with regenerative braking, then energy recovery is improved, but braking distance consistency deteriorates due to temperature-dependent brake performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors brake disc temperature and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the braking torque distribution between friction brakes and regenerative braking. The electronic control unit receives temperature data from sensors and modifies the braking strategy in real-time to compensate for temperature-induced performance variations, ensuring consistent braking distance while maintaining energy recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking system dynamically adjusts the split between active friction braking and passive regenerative braking based on real-time temperature conditions. As brake disc temperature changes, the control system modifies the braking torque distribution to maintain optimal braking performance, transitioning from static to dynamic braking strategy adaptation.
2Force
If the vehicle increases braking torque at high temperatures, then braking effectiveness is improved, but the risk of abrupt deceleration and passenger discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by monitoring brake disc temperature and proactively adjusting the braking torque distribution before temperature-induced performance degradation occurs. By detecting temperature changes in advance, the control system prevents abrupt deceleration by smoothly transitioning between braking modes, counteracting potential harmful effects before they manifest.
3Reliability
If the vehicle uses temperature-based braking adjustment, then braking distance consistency is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional sensors and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit performs multiple functions: it manages the split between active and passive braking torque, monitors brake disc temperature, and adjusts braking strategy based on temperature conditions. By making the control unit multi-functional, the system achieves temperature-based braking adjustment without adding separate dedicated control systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
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 solution ensures consistent braking distances and reduces the risk of abrupt decelerations, enhancing safety and adaptability for both autonomous and driver-operated vehicles, while being compact and cost-effective for integration into existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
temperature sensor means, such as thermocouples, to detect brake unit temperatures
Implementation Method 2
activating the operation of the electric motors as generators to recharge the battery system
Implementation Method 3
when the brakes are at a high temperature, they tend to form a fluid 'film' that impairs braking
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle (1) driven at least partially electrically and mobile on a plurality of wheels (4) comprising a brake control system (9), an electronic unit (11), and temperature sensor means for a brake unit (6) of the vehicle (1), wherein the electronic unit (11) processes said temperature data from the brake unit (6) in order to control the brake control system (9) accordingly.