Regenerative Braking Optimal Point Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid and electric vehicles face inefficiencies in regenerative braking systems, as existing technologies do not effectively determine the optimal braking point to maximize energy recovery without engaging physical brakes, leading to potential kinetic energy wastage.

Innovation Solution

A regenerative braking system equipped with sensors and an electronic control unit processes information about target objects and vehicle velocity to determine the maximum deceleration achievable through regenerative braking, calculating an optimal braking point to slow the vehicle without using physical brakes, thereby maximizing energy recovery and extending driving range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If regenerative braking is used to maximize energy recovery, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the vehicle may not be able to stop in time without physical brakes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekinetic energy recoveryVSAvoidbraking reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations to determine the optimal braking point before actual braking is needed. By computing the maximum deceleration capability of the regenerative braking system in advance and using sensor data about target objects, the system can proactively initiate regenerative braking at the optimal moment, ensuring both maximum energy recovery and reliable stopping before the target object.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If the optimal braking point is calculated to maximize regenerative braking, then energy recovery is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy recovery efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical braking control with electronic computation and sensor-based detection. By using sensors to detect target objects and an electronic control unit to calculate the optimal braking point, the system achieves precise energy optimization through software algorithms rather than complex mechanical linkages, reducing overall system complexity while improving energy recovery efficiency.

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

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 enables efficient energy recovery and fuel savings by determining the optimal regenerative braking point, reducing the need for physical braking and enhancing the driving range of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

regenerative brakes that act as an energy recovery mechanism that slows the vehicle by converting its kinetic energy into another form

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2766231B1System and method for optimal deceleration of a vehicle using regenerative braking
Publication Date: 2015.08.19 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2766231B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2766231B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2766231B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A regenerative braking system for a vehicle. The system includes at least one detecting device or sensor, and an electronic control unit having a processor and a computer readable medium. The at least one sensor detects information about at least one target object located ahead of the vehicle. The electronic control unit receives information about the target object. The electronic control unit also receives information about a velocity of the vehicle, determines a velocity of the target object based on the information from the sensor, determines a maximum deceleration of the vehicle that can be reached by the regenerative braking system without applying physical brakes of the vehicle, and determines an optimal braking point to begin maximum regenerative braking. The optimal braking point is a point at which maximum regenerative braking can sufficiently slow the vehicle before reaching the target object without applying the physical brakes of the vehicle.