Off-Road Vehicle Anti-Lock Braking System with Merged Rear Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing off-road vehicles lack an effective and cost-efficient anti-lock braking system (ABS) that addresses the weight and expense issues associated with traditional ABS systems, while also providing reliable braking performance in various terrain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A four-wheel off-road vehicle equipped with a frame, motor, suspension assemblies, speed sensors, and a hydraulic module, featuring a single rear brake assembly and speed sensor system that uses encoders and slotted rings to detect wheel speeds and an electronic controller to manage braking pressure, allowing independent or joint braking inputs through hand and foot levers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ABS systems with brake assemblies and wheel speed sensors at each wheel are equipped, then anti-lock braking performance is improved, but vehicle weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the braking functions for left and right rear wheels into a single integrated rear brake assembly, rather than using separate brake assemblies at each wheel. This merging approach reduces the number of components and overall system weight while maintaining effective anti-lock braking control for the rear axle
Solution Approach 2:
The single rear brake assembly is designed to serve both left and right rear wheels simultaneously, making it a multi-functional component that performs the braking function for multiple wheels, thereby reducing redundancy and weight
2Reliability
If traditional ABS systems with brake assemblies and wheel speed sensors at each wheel are equipped, then anti-lock braking performance is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rear braking functions into a single brake assembly unit, reducing the total number of brake assemblies from four to three (two front, one rear). This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs by reducing component count, assembly complexity, and associated hardware requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a single rear brake assembly design that can be replicated or adapted for different vehicle configurations, standardizing the component and potentially reducing development and manufacturing costs through economies of scale
3Weight of moving object
If a single rear brake assembly is used for both rear wheels, then weight and cost are reduced, but braking control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with an electronic control system that uses sensors and a control unit to manage the single rear brake assembly. This substitution simplifies the physical structure while maintaining precise control capability through electronic actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates wheel speed sensors and a control unit that continuously monitor wheel speeds and provide feedback to adjust brake application. This feedback mechanism enables the single rear brake assembly to independently control braking forces on left and right rear wheels, managing the complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity
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 system provides effective anti-lock braking by detecting wheel locking and adjusting pressure to prevent wheel lockup, enhancing safety and control on slippery surfaces without the weight and cost burdens of traditional ABS systems.
Implementation Method 1
an encoder adapted for detecting a passing of each slot of the slotted ring and for providing a respective speed signal to the electronic controller
Data Source
AI summary
An off-road vehicle has two front wheels and two rear wheels, the rear wheels being connected to a spool gear driven by a motor. The vehicle also has a left front brake, a right front brake and a single rear brake. Speeds of left and right front wheels are respectively monitored by left and right front speed sensors. A single sensor monitors a common speed of left and right rear wheels. Two user actuated braking input devices, for example a hand lever and a foot lever, may be used independently or concurrently to provide a braking command. An anti-lock braking system may use speed measurements from the various speed sensors to control selective application of pressure on the left front brake, the right front brake and the rear brake.