Vehicle Brake Force Transfer for Downhill Stability Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy vehicles face instability issues due to high brake force demands, particularly on downhill sections, which can lead to overheating and excessive wear of primary brakes, as well as reduced braking efficiency and increased risk of loss of control, especially in slippery conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and control arrangement that transfers a part of the brake force from the auxiliary brake system to the foundation brake system before reaching unstable road sections, redistributing the brake force over additional wheels to maintain stability and reduce the risk of instability events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If brake force is applied by the auxiliary brake system to maintain speed on downhill sections, then the required braking performance is achieved, but vehicle stability is reduced and the risk of instability events increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake force application is segmented between two different brake systems (auxiliary brake system and foundation brake system) depending on road conditions. The control arrangement divides the braking function so that the auxiliary brake system is used for normal downhill braking while the foundation brake system is activated when instability conditions are detected, ensuring both braking performance and vehicle stability
Solution Approach 2:
The control arrangement performs preliminary action by detecting instability conditions associated with coming road sections in advance and proactively transferring brake force application from the auxiliary brake system to the foundation brake system before the vehicle reaches the unstable section, preventing instability events rather than reacting to them
2Power
If high brake force is applied by the auxiliary brake system during extended time periods, then speed control is maintained, but the foundation brake system experiences excessive wear and overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts which brake system applies the brake force based on real-time road condition assessments. The control arrangement continuously monitors for instability conditions and dynamically transfers the braking function between the auxiliary brake system and foundation brake system, optimizing both speed control and component durability
Solution Approach 2:
The control arrangement acts as an intermediary that manages the braking function allocation between the auxiliary brake system and foundation brake system. It mediates the braking demand by selectively activating the appropriate brake system based on road conditions, preventing excessive wear on the foundation brake system while maintaining required braking performance
3Power
If brake force is applied by the auxiliary brake system in slippery conditions, then braking is achieved, but traction is lost and control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control arrangement uses feedback from road condition detection to determine when to transfer brake force application. By monitoring for instability conditions associated with coming road sections, the system receives feedback about traction conditions and adjusts brake force application accordingly, maintaining brake efficiency by avoiding auxiliary brake application on slippery surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A method to control a brake system in a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an auxiliary brake system configured to apply a brake force to at least one first wheel of the vehicle and a foundation brake system configured to apply a brake force to at least one second wheel of the vehicle. The method comprises, when a first brake force is or is to be applied to the vehicle by means of the auxiliary brake system and when an indication of an instability condition associated with a coming road section is detected initiating a transfer of at least a part of the first brake force applied to the vehicle by the auxiliary brake system to, instead, be applied by the foundation brake system prior to reaching the coming road section to overcome the detected instability condition, such that applied brake force may be distributed over additional wheels to increase stability.