ESC Rear Brake Segmentation for Tight Turn Radius Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems lack an efficient method to automatically reduce the turn radius of motor vehicles, which is desirable for maneuvers like tight turns, especially when compared to farm tractors that can independently control rear brakes to achieve smaller turn radii.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method within the ESC system to selectively apply the rear brake of the wheel on the inside of the turn, using vehicle sensor outputs and calculated parameters to reduce the rotational speed of that wheel within allowed slip limits, thereby reducing the turn radius, utilizing a Type C or Type D ESC system with individual brake control capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional automotive braking systems are used with redundant dual-circuit hydraulic systems, then braking reliability is improved, but the ability to independently control individual wheel brakes is limited and turn radius reduction capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the braking control into four independent channels, one for each wheel brake, allowing individual control of each wheel brake through separate control valves. This segmentation enables the right rear brake to be independently activated for tight right turns while maintaining the redundant dual-circuit hydraulic system for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic brake control where the braking system can adaptively switch between different operating modes: normal braking using both circuits for reliability, and tight-turn assistance mode where the ESC system dynamically activates only the necessary individual wheel brakes based on steering angle and vehicle speed sensors.
2Length of moving object
If farm tractor-style independent rear brake control is implemented, then turn radius is reduced, but the redundant braking circuit safety feature is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into four independently controllable channels with separate control valves for each wheel. This allows the patent to activate only the right rear brake for tight turns while keeping the left rear and both front brakes available through the redundant dual-circuit system, thus reducing turn radius without sacrificing braking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ESC system provides multi-functionality by serving both as a stability control system and as a tight-turn assistance system. The same segmented brake control infrastructure that enables stability control also enables independent wheel brake activation for reducing turn radius, making the system universally applicable to multiple driving scenarios.
3Reliability
If ESC systems with individual wheel brake control are used, then vehicle stability control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tight-turn assistance function with the existing ESC system architecture. By utilizing the same electronic control unit, sensors (steering angle, wheel speed, vehicle speed), and segmented brake control valves already present in ESC systems, the patent adds tight-turn capability without requiring a separate independent control system, thus managing complexity while improving stability control.
4Length of moving object
If manual operation of individual brake pedals is used, then turn radius control is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to operator workload
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting when a tight turn is needed through sensors (steering angle, vehicle speed, wheel speed) and autonomously activating the appropriate individual wheel brake through the ESC control unit. This eliminates the need for the operator to manually operate separate brake pedals while still achieving reduced turn radius, thus improving ease of operation.
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 automatic reduction of the motor vehicle's turn radius by selectively braking the inside rear wheel, enhancing maneuverability, particularly during parking and tight turns, by leveraging existing ESC, ABS, and traction control systems for precise brake control.
Implementation Method 1
manual operation of the right rear brake pedal by the operator activates the right rear brake whereby the rotational speed of the braked right rear wheel is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A method of selective, automatic application of one rear brake of a motor vehicle under appropriate vehicle operating conditions in response to intent of a driver to make a turn, whereby the rotational speed of the selected braked rear wheel is reduced so as to reduce the turn radius of the vehicle. Vehicle sensor outputs and calculated parameters in conjunction with vehicle systems such as, but not limited to, ESC, ABS, and traction control are used to determine if appropriate vehicle operating conditions exist to actuate the present invention. The method of the present invention is implemented via an algorithmic control, preferably within an ESC system.