Foot Brake Module Arbitration for Dual-Position EBS Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic braking systems (EBS) in vehicles with two driving positions, such as commercial garbage trucks, are not designed to accept electronic input signals from multiple foot brake modules, leading to hardware and software integration challenges.
Innovation Solution
A braking control system comprising multiple brake controllers and a processor that arbitrates between brake demand signals from multiple foot brake modules, allowing the system to select the greater brake demand signal and apply it to the braking system without modifying the existing EBS controller hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing EBS controller hardware is used, then hardware cost is reduced, but the system cannot accept electronic input signals from multiple foot brake modules
Solution Approach 1:
A processor is introduced as an intermediary component between the multiple foot brake modules and the existing EBS controller. The processor receives brake demand signals from both foot brake modules, arbitrates between them to determine the greater demand, and outputs a single signal to the EBS controller. This mediator approach enables multi-input functionality without modifying the original controller hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking control system is segmented into distinct functional components: multiple foot brake modules, a separate processor for signal arbitration, and the existing EBS controller. This segmentation allows the processor to handle the complexity of multiple inputs independently, while the EBS controller remains unchanged and handles only the final brake command.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple foot brake modules are integrated, then versatility for two-driving-position vehicles is improved, but integration challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is designed with universal functionality to handle brake demand signals from any foot brake module regardless of position. It implements a standardized arbitration algorithm that works for two-driving-position vehicles, making the system adaptable to different driver configurations without requiring position-specific customization.
3Ease of operation
If pneumatic check valve selects higher pressure, then braking response is simplified, but electronic signal arbitration is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical pneumatic check valve system is replaced with an electronic arbitration system using a processor. Instead of relying on pneumatic pressure differential to select the higher signal, the processor electronically compares brake demand signals from multiple foot brake modules and selects the greater demand through software logic, enabling compatibility with electronic braking systems.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a foot brake module is provided comprising: a sensor configured to generate a brake demand; a first transceiver configured to receive a brake demand generated by a second foot brake module of a vehicle; a processor configured to determine which of the brake demand generated by the second foot brake module and the brake demand generated by the sensor is greater; and a second transceiver configured to send the greater brake demand to a brake controller of the vehicle. Other embodiments are possible, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.