Vehicle Brake Torque Distribution on Side Slopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle wheels dig or sink into deformable low-mu surfaces like sand, gravel, or mud when braking, especially on side slopes, leading to increased lateral movement, roll, and material buildup, which complicates stopping and starting.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically adjust brake torque distribution by increasing torque on one side of the vehicle and decreasing it on the other while traversing a side slope, using electronic controllers and sensors to detect slope orientation and modify brake torque accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If brake torque is applied to the wheels during deceleration on deformable surfaces, then the vehicle can stop, but the wheels dig or sink into the soft surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different brake torque characteristics to different wheels based on their location and the vehicle's orientation on the slope. The downhill wheels receive reduced brake torque compared to uphill wheels, creating a localized quality difference that prevents the downhill wheels from digging into the soft surface while maintaining overall deceleration control
Solution Approach 2:
The brake control system dynamically adjusts the distribution of brake torque between wheels based on real-time detection of vehicle orientation, slope conditions, and wheel behavior. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize brake torque application continuously, preventing wheel sinking while maintaining effective deceleration
2Force
If the vehicle travels across a side slope, then weight transfer occurs to the downhill side, but this causes increased vertical force and wheel sinking on the downhill side
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for the uneven weight distribution on slopes by applying different brake torque levels to downhill versus uphill wheels. This local quality adjustment counteracts the increased vertical force on downhill wheels, preventing them from sinking into the soft surface despite the weight transfer caused by gravity
Solution Approach 2:
The reduced brake torque applied to downhill wheels acts as a counterbalancing measure against the increased gravitational force and weight transfer to that side. By reducing the additional downward force from braking on the already heavily loaded downhill wheels, the system prevents excessive sinking
3Power
If front axle has larger brake device components, then greater brake torque can be applied to front wheels, but front downhill wheels dig or sink further than rear downhill wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a nuanced brake torque distribution strategy where the front downhill wheel receives reduced brake torque compared to other wheels, despite the front axle having larger brake components. This localized adjustment prevents the front downhill wheel from digging into the surface, while the available brake capacity can still be utilized by uphill wheels and rear wheels as needed
4Productivity
If wheels dig or sink into the surface, then braking can occur, but material builds up around the wheels making it difficult to pull away
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by reducing brake torque to downhill wheels before significant material buildup can occur. This preventive approach stops the digging and material accumulation process at its source, ensuring that when the vehicle needs to restart, the wheels are not embedded in material that would hinder movement
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling the brake system of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving one or more electrical signals each indicative of a value of a respective vehicle-related parameter. The method further comprises detecting that the vehicle is traveling across a slope based on the value(s) of one or more of the vehicle-related parameters. The method still further comprises automatically modifying the amount of brake torque being applied to at least certain of the wheels of the vehicle in response to the detection of the vehicle traveling across a slope by increasing the amount of brake torque being applied to one or more wheels on one side of the vehicle, and decreasing the amount of brake torque being applied to one or more wheels on the other side of the vehicle.