Electric Vehicle Hybrid Braking Control for Fault and Low-Speed Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles without transmissions face challenges in braking, as they lack backup braking and torque multiplication, leading to the need for larger, more expensive brakes and compromised steering control in case of motor or control system failures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hybrid braking system that combines electromagnetic and mechanical braking, where electromagnetic braking is applied at higher speeds and transitions to mechanical braking at lower speeds to effectively slow or stop the vehicle, using a controller to determine the appropriate braking type based on the vehicle's state and operational status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic braking is used alone in electric vehicles without transmissions, then braking control can be achieved, but the system lacks backup braking capability and requires larger, more expensive mechanical brakes to handle fault scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic braking system that automatically switches between electromagnetic braking and mechanical braking based on real-time vehicle state monitoring. The controller adjusts the braking mode dynamically: using electromagnetic braking during normal operation and transitioning to mechanical braking when faults are detected or at low speeds, thereby achieving reliable braking without requiring oversized mechanical brake components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates beforehand cushioning by maintaining mechanical braking capability as a backup system that is activated only when needed. The controller monitors system health and pre-prepares for fault scenarios by having mechanical brakes available to engage if electromagnetic braking fails or when the vehicle enters faulted states, eliminating the need to design mechanical brakes for worst-case scenarios from the outset.
2Reliability
If mechanical braking is oversized to handle fault scenarios, then braking safety is improved, but the size and cost of the braking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic braking mode selection where the controller determines the appropriate braking type based on real-time vehicle state indicators. During normal operation, electromagnetic braking handles all braking requirements, allowing mechanical brakes to be sized for light-duty support functions only. The mechanical brakes engage dynamically only when the vehicle enters faulted states or operates at low speeds, eliminating the need for oversized mechanical brake components designed for worst-case continuous operation.
3Ease of operation
If electromagnetic braking is applied at all speeds, then braking control is simplified, but excessive wear or damage occurs at low speeds and mechanical braking is needed for effective stopping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic braking mode selection based on vehicle speed and state. The controller monitors speed indicators and automatically switches from electromagnetic braking at higher speeds to mechanical braking when speed drops below a threshold or when the vehicle enters a faulted state. This dynamic approach prevents electromagnetic braking from causing excessive wear at low speeds while maintaining simple automated control through state-based decision logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the braking parameter (braking type) based on the vehicle's operating parameters (speed and state). At high speeds, electromagnetic braking is applied; when speed drops below a threshold or fault conditions are detected, the controller transitions to mechanical braking. This parameter-based switching optimizes braking performance across different operating conditions and prevents harmful effects associated with using electromagnetic braking at inappropriate speeds.
4Reliability
If a hybrid braking system with state-based control is implemented, then braking effectiveness across all speeds is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic, state-based control system that automatically selects the appropriate braking mode based on real-time vehicle state indicators. The controller monitors multiple parameters (speed, fault status) and dynamically switches between electromagnetic and mechanical braking without requiring complex manual intervention. This automated dynamic control achieves effective braking across all speeds while keeping the control system manageable through rule-based decision logic.
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
The hybrid braking system ensures safe and effective braking across a range of speeds, reducing the size and cost of mechanical brakes and maintaining control in fault scenarios, while avoiding excessive wear or damage.
Implementation Method 1
applying an electromagnetic braking to one or more electric motors of the electric vehicle using an electromagnetic braking module to reduce a rotational speed of the one or more electric motors
Implementation Method 2
applying a mechanical braking to the electric vehicle using a mechanical braking applicator
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of controlling an electric vehicle. The method includes obtaining by a controller of the electric vehicle a first state indicator of a state of the electric vehicle, receiving at the controller a status indicator of an operating status of the electric vehicle, and updating by the controller the state of the electric vehicle based on the status indicator to an updated state. The updated state may be associated with a second state indicator. The method also includes determining by the controller a given braking type of a braking to be applied to the electric vehicle. This determining may be based on one or more of the second state indicator and the status indicator. The method also includes applying to the electric vehicle the braking of the given braking type. Systems for applying such braking are also provided.