Regenerative Braking Torque Control via Accelerator and Vehicle Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Category A regenerative braking systems are limited in the maximum energy they can recover, as they cannot generate additional braking torque once the accelerator pedal is fully released, and the maximum regenerative braking is constrained by driver tolerance, leading to reliance on friction braking during emergency stops, which does not recover energy.
Innovation Solution
A regenerative braking control method and system that utilizes an actuator and controller to generate regenerative braking torque based on the behavior of the accelerator pedal and vehicle motion, allowing for adjustable and scalable regenerative braking across the entire range of braking events, independent of the friction braking system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If regenerative braking is limited to accelerator pedal input only, then system complexity is reduced, but energy recovery capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The regenerative braking system is designed to respond to multiple types of driver inputs (accelerator pedal release, brake pedal application) rather than a single input type. This multi-functionality allows the system to recover energy across diverse braking scenarios while maintaining a unified control architecture that does not require separate dedicated systems for each braking mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts regenerative braking torque based on the type of input detected and current vehicle operating conditions. The system transitions between different control modes (accelerator-based vs. brake-pedal-based activation) and modulates torque magnitude according to driver intent and battery state, enabling adaptive energy recovery without fixed operational constraints.
2Loss of energy
If regenerative braking torque is increased to maximize energy recovery, then energy efficiency improves, but driver tolerance is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors driver inputs and vehicle response to dynamically adjust regenerative braking torque. By detecting accelerator pedal release rate and brake pedal application characteristics, the system infers driver intent and modulates regenerative torque accordingly, preventing excessive braking forces that would exceed driver comfort thresholds while maximizing energy recovery within acceptable limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies regenerative braking torque parameters based on detected input characteristics. When accelerator pedal is released gradually, lower regenerative torque is applied; when released quickly or when brake pedal is applied, higher regenerative torque is permitted. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes energy recovery while adapting to driver tolerance levels.
3Loss of energy
If regenerative braking is activated during brake pedal application, then energy recovery increases, but integration with friction braking system is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary that receives brake pedal input signals and translates them into appropriate regenerative braking torque commands. Rather than directly integrating with friction braking components, the system processes brake pedal information through its own control logic and generates independent regenerative torque outputs, maintaining operational independence while enabling energy recovery during brake applications.
4Productivity
If regenerative braking torque is calibrated to be aggressive for maximum energy recovery, then productivity improves, but user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically calibrates regenerative braking aggressiveness based on detected driver behavior patterns and input characteristics. Rather than using fixed aggressive calibration, the system adapts torque magnitude and ramp-up rates to match driver expectations and comfort levels, optimizing energy recovery performance while preserving natural driving feel and user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system adjusts multiple torque parameters (magnitude, rate of application, duration) based on input type and driver behavior. By varying these parameters dynamically rather than applying fixed aggressive torque, the system achieves high energy recovery rates when appropriate while maintaining smooth, comfortable braking characteristics that preserve user experience.
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 energy efficiency by enabling regenerative braking to contribute to all braking events, including those typically handled by friction braking, while maintaining independence from the friction braking system, thus improving energy recovery and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The regenerative braking system may include at least one actuator and a controller. The controller may be configured to: determine whether an accelerator pedal is depressed; when the accelerator pedal is depressed, determine an amount of regenerative braking based on behavior of the accelerator pedal; when the accelerator pedal is not depressed, determine the amount of regenerative braking based on motion of the vehicle; and control the at least one actuator to generate the determined amount of regenerative braking.
Data Source
AI summary
A regenerative braking system separate from a friction braking system of a vehicle is disclosed. According to certain embodiments, the regenerative braking system may include at least one actuator and a controller. The controller may be configured to: determine whether an accelerator pedal is depressed; when the accelerator pedal is depressed, determine an amount of regenerative braking based on behavior of the accelerator pedal; when the accelerator pedal is not depressed, determine the amount of regenerative braking based on motion of the vehicle; and control the at least one actuator to generate the determined amount of regenerative braking.