Hybrid Vehicle Braking Control via Steering Angle Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Full regenerative braking in hybrid vehicles can compromise steerability, stability, and smoothness during sharp turns or at very slow or fast speeds, especially on low-friction surfaces, necessitating an improved braking control method.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines the appropriate balance between regenerative and friction braking based on the vehicle's speed, steering angle, and rate of change of the steering angle, using sensors and a brake controller to calculate and apply the desired braking magnitudes, ensuring optimal control during various driving conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If full regenerative braking is applied, then fuel efficiency is improved, but steerability deteriorates during sharp turns or at very slow or very fast speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidsteerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial regenerative braking rather than full regenerative braking when steering conditions indicate a need for reduced braking force. The brake controller modulates the regenerative braking torque based on steering angle and rate of change, applying only the necessary portion of regenerative braking to maintain both fuel efficiency and steerability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The braking system dynamically adjusts the amount of regenerative braking applied based on real-time steering conditions. The brake controller continuously monitors steering angle and rate of change, and modulates regenerative braking torque accordingly, transitioning smoothly between different braking regimes to maintain optimal steerability while maximizing fuel efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If full regenerative braking is applied, then fuel efficiency is improved, but stability deteriorates during sharp turns or at very slow or very fast speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial regenerative braking rather than full regenerative braking when stability conditions require reduced braking force. The brake controller modulates the regenerative braking torque based on steering angle and rate of change, applying only the necessary portion to maintain both fuel efficiency and vehicle stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The braking system dynamically adjusts regenerative braking application based on real-time steering conditions. The brake controller continuously monitors steering angle and rate of change, and modulates regenerative braking torque to maintain optimal stability while maximizing fuel efficiency through selective regenerative braking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If full regenerative braking is applied, then fuel efficiency is improved, but smoothness deteriorates during sharp turns or at very slow or very fast speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidsmoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial regenerative braking rather than full regenerative braking when smoothness conditions require reduced braking force. The brake controller modulates the regenerative braking torque based on steering angle and rate of change, applying only the necessary portion to maintain both fuel efficiency and ride smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The braking system dynamically adjusts regenerative braking application based on real-time steering conditions. The brake controller continuously monitors steering angle and rate of change, and modulates regenerative braking torque to maintain optimal smoothness while maximizing fuel efficiency through selective regenerative braking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Use of energy by moving object

If full regenerative braking is applied, then fuel efficiency is improved, but braking performance deteriorates on road surfaces with relatively low coefficients of friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidbraking performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial regenerative braking rather than full regenerative braking when road friction conditions indicate reduced traction availability. The brake controller modulates regenerative braking torque based on steering angle and rate of change, applying only the necessary portion to maintain both fuel efficiency and reliable braking performance on low-friction surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The braking system dynamically adjusts regenerative braking application based on real-time steering conditions that reflect road friction levels. The brake controller continuously monitors steering angle and rate of change, and modulates regenerative braking torque to maintain optimal braking performance and fuel efficiency on varying road surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances steerability, stability, and smoothness while maintaining fuel efficiency by selectively applying regenerative and friction braking, adapting to changing driving conditions and surface friction levels.

Implementation Method 1

regenerative braking to recapture energy and recharge a high voltage battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

friction braking based at least in part on the value of the variable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8315751B2Methods, program products, and systems for controlling braking in a hybrid vehicle
Publication Date: 2012.11.20 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US8315751B2 patent drawing
  • US8315751B2 patent drawing
  • US8315751B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling braking in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of determining a value of a variable pertaining to operation of the hybrid vehicle and applying regenerative braking based at least in part on the value of the variable. The variable comprises a speed of the hybrid vehicle, a steering angle of the hybrid vehicle, or a rate of change of the steering angle.