Vehicle Braking Control Unit with Traction Motor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle braking systems rely on manual actuation for service brakes and may not efficiently distribute retarding effort between traction motors and service brakes, particularly in situations where traction motor retarding effort is insufficient or unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A control unit determines the total retarding effort required and available from traction motors, automatically controlling both traction motors and service brakes to ensure adequate braking, with the service brakes providing supplemental effort when necessary, using an electro-hydraulic proportional valve to adjust hydraulic pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual actuation is used for service brakes, then the braking system is simple to operate, but the braking efficiency and reliability are reduced when traction motor retarding effort is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the service brake system with the traction motor control system into an integrated braking control system. The controller automatically coordinates both braking sources (traction motor retarding effort and service brake friction) to provide reliable braking without requiring manual operator intervention, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking control system operates autonomously by automatically determining the required retarding effort, assessing available traction motor retarding effort, and activating service brakes when needed. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual operator action during normal braking operations, improving reliability while the system manages its own complexity through automated decision-making.
2Productivity
If automatic control is implemented for braking distribution, then the braking efficiency is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it manages traction motor operation during propulsion, calculates required retarding effort during braking, assesses available traction motor retarding effort, and activates service brakes when needed. This multi-functionality improves braking efficiency by optimizing the use of both braking sources while consolidating control logic into a single controller that already manages other vehicle functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors vehicle operating conditions, determines the retarding effort required based on braking commands, assesses the available retarding effort from traction motors, and automatically adjusts service brake application accordingly. This feedback loop ensures efficient braking distribution while the controller uses real-time data to make automated decisions, managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
3Force
If service brakes are used as supplemental braking, then the available retarding effort is increased, but the wear on service brakes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies service brakes partially, only to the extent needed to supplement insufficient traction motor retarding effort. Rather than using service brakes for all braking situations, the system activates them only when the traction motor retarding effort is insufficient to meet the required retarding effort, thus increasing available retarding effort when needed while minimizing service brake wear through selective, partial application.
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 system ensures safe and reliable braking by automatically deploying service brakes when traction motor retarding effort is insufficient, maintaining requested braking effort even in cases of drive system failure or reduced performance, without operator intervention.
Implementation Method 1
using an electro-hydraulic proportional valve to adjust hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 2
when a traction motor is not needed to provide motive force, it can be reconfigured so that the motor operates as a power generator. So configured, the traction motor generates electric energy which has the effect of slowing the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
which causes pressure to be applied to brake pads to slow or stop the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A braking system includes a drive system having a traction motor coupled in driving relationship to a wheel of a vehicle, a braking device configured to brake the vehicle, and a control unit. The motor is configured to provide both motive power for the vehicle in a propel mode of operation and retarding effort to brake the vehicle. The control unit is configured to determine a total retarding effort required to brake the vehicle in a braking mode of operation, and an amount of traction motor retarding effort available from the traction motor. The control unit is further configured to control the traction motor and the braking device so that at least one of the traction motor and the braking device brake the vehicle in the braking mode of operation.