Inside-Wheel Brake Control for Reduced Vehicle Turning Radius
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles often face limitations in turning radius due to fixed parameters like wheel base and track width, making it difficult to navigate tight off-road terrain without performing multiple maneuvers, and existing methods for reducing turning radius are not fully automated or effective.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that includes a controller and torque control module, which determines a target wheel slip and applies braking torque to the inside wheel based on the slip error to reduce the turn radius, allowing for automatic reduction of the turning radius in driver-assist mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle uses fixed parameters (wheel base, track width) for turning, then the vehicle structure remains simple and stable, but the turning radius cannot be reduced for tight off-road terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically modifying the wheel slip condition through controlled braking. Instead of changing physical vehicle parameters like wheel base or track width, the system changes the operational parameter of wheel slip by applying brake torque to the inside rear wheel, thereby reducing the turning radius without altering the vehicle structure.
2Ease of operation
If the driver performs manual three-point turns or multiple maneuvers, then the vehicle can navigate tight turns, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically controlling the brake torque application to the inside rear wheel based on detected turning conditions. The controller monitors steering wheel angle and vehicle speed, and autonomously applies the appropriate brake torque to reduce turning radius, eliminating the need for the driver to perform complex manual three-point turns or multiple maneuvers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If brake torque is applied to the inside wheel during a turn, then the turning radius is reduced, but the braking system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating the turning radius control function into the existing brake control system. The controller uses the same brake actuator infrastructure already present in the vehicle, adding a control layer that modulates brake torque for turning assistance without requiring a completely separate braking mechanism. This allows the braking system to serve both conventional braking and turning radius reduction functions.
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
Enables improved vehicle performance and driver satisfaction by automatically reducing the turning radius, enhancing the vehicle's capability to navigate tight spaces with increased customer confidence.
Implementation Method 1
applying brake torque to an inside wheel during a turn can reduce the turning radius
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing automated application of turn radius reduction in a driver assist mode may include receiving steering wheel angle and wheel speed information to determine a target wheel slip during a turn. The method may further include comparing the target wheel slip to a current wheel slip to determine a slip error, and applying braking torque to an inside wheel based on the slip error to reduce the turn radius.