Vehicle Brake System Humidity Compensation Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle brake systems experience undesirable variations in braking performance due to temperature and humidity changes, leading to aggressive or less effective braking reactions, particularly during extended periods of high humidity when moisture affects the coefficient of friction between brake pads and rotors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a humidity sensor to generate modified brake command signals, adjusting for moisture-induced changes in friction coefficients by calculating a correction factor based on humidity and temperature readings, which are then used to control the braking system and compensate for these changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle is stationary during extended periods of high humidity, then moisture accumulates on brake components increasing the coefficient of friction, but this causes the brake pads to grab the rotor in an aggressive way
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of humidity conditions and pre-calculates compensation factors before braking events occur. When high humidity is detected, the control module pre-adjusts the brake command signals to account for the increased friction coefficient that will occur when the brakes are applied, preventing aggressive brake grabbing from the outset
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors humidity levels through sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust brake command signals. The control module receives real-time humidity data, calculates appropriate compensation factors, and modifies the brake commands accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing environmental conditions
2Reliability
If the brake pad and rotor are dry due to low-moisture conditions, then the coefficient of friction decreases, but the brakes react in a less aggressive fashion which may be undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects low humidity conditions in advance and pre-calculates compensation factors before braking events. When dry conditions are detected, the control module pre-adjusts brake command signals to increase the effective braking force, ensuring consistent brake response regardless of the low natural friction available
Solution Approach 2:
The humidity sensor provides continuous feedback about moisture conditions, and the control module uses this feedback to dynamically adjust brake command signals. In low-humidity conditions, the system increases the brake command signal strength to compensate for the reduced coefficient of friction, maintaining reliable braking performance
3Reliability
If humidity sensor and electronic module are added to compensate for moisture effects, then braking performance consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic module performs multiple functions: it receives humidity sensor data, calculates compensation factors based on environmental conditions, adjusts brake command signals, and controls the frictional braking system. By consolidating these functions into a single control module, the system achieves improved brake performance consistency without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses readily available vehicle components (humidity sensor, existing electronic control infrastructure) to automatically detect and compensate for environmental conditions. The electronic module self-adjusts brake commands based on real-time humidity data without requiring manual intervention or complex additional hardware, allowing the system to service itself
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 approach improves the consistency and reliability of braking performance by compensating for moisture effects, reducing the likelihood of 'grabby' brakes and ensuring optimal operation of both frictional and regenerative braking systems, thereby enhancing the driver experience and fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a humidity sensor that provides humidity readings
Implementation Method 2
The caliper carries the brake pads which frictionally interact with the spinning rotor and slow it down according to a number of factors, including the coefficient of friction (μ) of the materials
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle brake system and method that are designed to improve the driver braking experience by compensating for the effects that humidity and temperature can have on brake performance. According to one embodiment, the method determines if a braking event is underway and, if so, it measures humidity and brake temperature. With this information, the method is able to compensate for anticipated changes in the coefficient of friction (μ) of one or more brake components, such as brake pads or rotors, and to provide a modified brake command signal accordingly.