Off-Road Braking System with Cornering Assistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial vehicles, especially those with off-road capabilities, face challenges in cornering due to poor road grip and high operating effort, with existing braking systems risking accidents if not properly locked at higher speeds, and 'cornering support' systems are unsuitable for driver-influenced braking.

Innovation Solution

A braking system with an electronic control unit connected to a cornering mode switch, allowing for cornering support by braking the inside wheels and, if front wheels are motor-driven, the outside front wheel, with activation only in off-road mode and based on speed and steering angle thresholds, and deactivation upon manual brake pressure or drive command thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cornering support systems apply braking pressure to inside wheel axles automatically, then cornering assistance is provided, but driver control over braking is lost and the system becomes unsuitable for driver-initiated braking commands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecornering assistanceVSAvoiddriver control over braking
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between automatic cornering support mode and manual braking mode based on driver input detection. The electronic control unit monitors brake pedal activation and automatically disengages cornering support when manual braking is detected, allowing the system to adapt its control strategy in real-time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from brake pedal sensors and steering angle sensors to determine when cornering support should be activated or deactivated. The electronic control unit continuously monitors these inputs and adjusts the braking system accordingly, providing automatic assistance only when appropriate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If mechanical locking mechanisms are used to prevent independent brake pedal operation, then road safety is maintained, but operating effort for the driver increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroad safetyVSAvoidoperating effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical locking mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses sensors and an electronic control unit to monitor and manage brake pedal operation. This electronic approach eliminates the need for complex mechanical interlocks while maintaining safety through electronic detection and response

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If cornering support mode is activated at high speeds, then cornering assistance is provided, but the risk of accidents increases due to potential system failure or forgotten disengagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecornering assistanceVSAvoidaccident risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control unit continuously monitors vehicle speed through speed sensors and automatically deactivates cornering support when speed exceeds a predetermined threshold. This feedback mechanism ensures the system remains disengaged during high-speed operation, eliminating the risk associated with accidental activation or forgotten disengagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses speed threshold as a critical parameter to determine cornering support activation. By setting a maximum speed threshold for activation, the system automatically adapts its behavior based on operating conditions, preventing activation when it would be unsafe

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2853453B1Braking system and method for curve support
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 ZF CV SYST HANNOVER GMBH
  • EP2853453B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2853453B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2853453B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a braking system for cornering assistance in a commercial vehicle (100, 200, 300) comprising a driving mode switch, a number of braking systems, an electronic control unit, a drive motor, and an engine control unit. According to the invention, it is proposed that the electronic control unit be connected to a cornering mode switch and configured to activate a cornering assistance mode when the electronic control unit receives a representative signal from the driving mode switch indicating that the commercial vehicle is operating in off-road mode, receives a signal from the cornering mode switch indicating that the cornering assistance mode is requested, and receives a signal from the engine control unit indicating that a drive command is being transmitted to the drive motor.