Hill Start Assist Brake Modulator for Inclined Surface Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicles face challenges in navigating inclined surfaces due to uneven terrain and difficulty in transitioning from braking to acceleration, leading to potential vehicle roll-back and rough rides.
Innovation Solution
A brake control system with a manually actuated braking input member, a brake modulator, and a controller that operates in a hill start assist mode, maintaining fluid pressure to hold the vehicle stationary and releasing pressure based on the acceleration input to prevent roll-back.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the operator transitions from braking input to acceleration input on an inclined surface, then the vehicle can resume forward motion, but the vehicle tends to roll backwards causing potential stalling or rough ride
Solution Approach 1:
The brake modulator maintains brake pressure for a predetermined time period after the brake input member is released, before allowing the pressure to decrease. This preliminary maintenance of braking force prevents vehicle roll-back during the transition from braking to acceleration, ensuring the vehicle remains stable on inclined surfaces while the operator transitions between inputs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the operator applies braking input to stop the vehicle on an inclined surface, then the vehicle can be brought to a stationary position, but the vehicle cannot maintain stationary position without rolling back when braking is released
Solution Approach 1:
The brake modulator automatically maintains brake pressure for the predetermined time period without requiring additional input from the operator. The system self-regulates the brake pressure timing, eliminating the need for the operator to manually coordinate brake release with acceleration input, thus simplifying operation while maintaining stability.
3Speed
If the brake pressure is released immediately after braking input is released, then the braking system responds quickly, but the vehicle rolls back before acceleration can take effect
Solution Approach 1:
The brake modulator delays the pressure release action by maintaining brake pressure for a predetermined time period after the brake input member is released. This preliminary maintenance ensures the vehicle remains stable on inclined surfaces during the transition period, preventing roll-back before acceleration takes effect.
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
Enhances vehicle stability and control on inclined surfaces by maintaining the vehicle in a stationary position until the operator is ready to accelerate, reducing the risk of roll-back and providing a smoother ride.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining an amount of fluid pressure supplied to the friction members
Implementation Method 2
friction members for reducing or limiting vehicle speed based on application of fluid pressure
Implementation Method 3
release fluid pressure at the friction members at a pressure release rate that is based on a current position of the acceleration input member
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to apparatus for enhancing vehicle performance along an inclined surface. The apparatus can include a brake modulator that is controllable to reduce or limit the vehicle speed. A controller can control the brake modulator to selectively operate in a hill start assist mode. In the hill start assist mode, the controller can control the brake modulator to hold the vehicle stationary after the vehicle is initially stopped while traveling along the inclined surface, until an acceleration input member is manually operated to control a power source to propel the vehicle. The controller can control the brake modulator to release fluid pressure at the friction members at a pressure release rate that is based on a current position of the acceleration input member.