Vehicle Brake Holding Control Using Torque-Travel Curves

The braking torque/travel characteristic curve is recorded in advance during service braking operations while the vehicle is in motion. This preliminary action stores the relationship between actuator position and braking torque, eliminating the need for separate measurements when stationary holding is required. The curve is obtained during normal operation and can be reused for parking brake functions.

The braking torque measurement system serves multiple functions: it measures braking torque during service braking operations for normal braking control, and simultaneously provides the data needed for stationary holding control. The same characteristic curve recording mechanism is used for both dynamic braking and static parking brake functions, eliminating dedicated measurement systems.

The brake system uses its own existing components (actuator with position sensor, braking torque measurement from service braking) to achieve reliable stationary holding. The actuator's position sensor already provides travel information, and the braking torque is measured during normal operation. By processing this existing data through the characteristic curve, the system achieves reliable holding without additional sensors or adjustment mechanisms.

Data that would otherwise be discarded during service braking operations (braking torque and travel measurements) is recovered and stored as the braking torque/travel characteristic curve. This recovered data is then reused for stationary holding control, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems and reducing manufacturing complexity.

The braking torque/travel characteristic curve is recorded in advance during service braking operations. This preliminary recording establishes the precise relationship between actuator position and braking torque before stationary holding is needed. When the vehicle needs to be held stationary, the controller simply queries this pre-recorded curve to determine the exact position required for the specified braking torque, eliminating iterative adjustments and reducing time consumption.

The system uses feedback from the braking torque measurements taken during service braking to build the characteristic curve. This feedback loop allows the system to learn the actual relationship between actuator position and braking torque under various conditions (temperature, wear, load). The recorded curve is then used to predict and achieve the correct position for stationary holding without trial-and-error adjustments.

The service braking operation serves dual purposes: it performs the primary function of slowing down the vehicle for safety or traffic reasons, and simultaneously records the braking torque/travel characteristic curve for stationary holding control. The same braking process achieves both vehicle deceleration and system calibration, eliminating dedicated measurement processes and maintaining high productivity.

The characteristic curve recording is integrated into the continuous operation of the brake system. Every service braking operation automatically contributes to building or updating the characteristic curve database. This continuous useful action ensures that the measurement data is always current and accurate without requiring separate calibration sessions that would interrupt normal vehicle operation.