Decentralized Wheel Brake Control Circuit for Vehicle Weight Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of automotive brake systems, particularly ABS and ESP systems, poses challenges in manufacturing due to increased complexity, which can conflict with goals of cost, quality, and efficiency, making the implementation of these systems burdensome.
Innovation Solution
Decentralized electronic brake control circuits and systems where integrated circuit chips at each wheel independently control braking force, communicating over a vehicle network to share data and apply braking force based on rotational speed and user input, reducing the need for central controllers and potentially lighter vehicle designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized brake control system is used to achieve coordinated braking control across all wheels, then braking performance and vehicle stability are improved, but system complexity and manufacturing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized brake control system into multiple decentralized wheel control units, with each unit independently controlling braking at its respective wheel. Each wheel control unit includes its own processor, brake driver circuit, and sensor interfaces, enabling distributed decision-making while maintaining coordinated braking performance through vehicle network communication.
Solution Approach 2:
Each wheel control unit operates autonomously, making local braking decisions based on its own wheel speed sensor data and communications from other wheel units. The decentralized architecture allows each unit to self-manage its braking control without requiring constant centralized coordination, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If complex brake control algorithms are implemented to achieve ABS and ESP functionality, then vehicle safety and stability are improved, but manufacturing cost and system burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel control units are designed to perform multiple functions including ABS (anti-lock braking), ESP (electronic stability program), and traction control through a single decentralized control architecture. Each universal wheel control unit can execute different control algorithms depending on the operating condition, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each safety function and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Force
If traditional hydraulic brake systems with central reservoirs and distribution mechanisms are used, then braking force distribution is achieved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the heavy centralized hydraulic reservoir and distribution mechanisms from the brake system. Instead, each wheel control unit manages its own braking force application independently through decentralized electronic control, removing unnecessary hydraulic infrastructure while maintaining effective braking force distribution across all wheels.
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 allows for independent and coordinated control of braking force across vehicle wheels, enhancing system reliability and efficiency while reducing weight and emissions, and enabling autonomous and cooperative operation for ABS, ESP, and traction control.
Implementation Method 1
The rotational speed sensor senses the rotational speed of one of the drive components
Data Source
AI summary
The application of braking force to drive components that move a vehicle is controlled. As consistent with one or more example embodiments, an integrated circuit chip is located at each of two or more drive components (e.g., wheels) of a vehicle for controlling the application of a braking force to the drive component independently of the application of braking force to other drive components. Each of the integrated circuit chips communicate with one another over a vehicle network, with brake control (e.g., using an algorithm to limit wheel slip) being carried out separately at each drive component.