Selective Wheel Braking for Low-Speed Steering Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
The uneven distribution of steering rack force on tie rods during vehicle steering, exacerbated by brake application, leads to increased steering loads, wear on vehicle components, and the need for larger vehicle systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing sensors and an electronic processor to selectively control vehicle brakes, applying a reduced braking force to the front brakes when specific conditions are met, such as low vehicle speed and high steering angle, to reduce steering loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional braking is applied at all wheels, then braking effectiveness is maximized, but steering system wear increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
Different braking strategies are applied to different wheels based on their local conditions. During steering maneuvers, the system applies reduced or selective braking to wheels experiencing high steering loads, while maintaining normal braking on other wheels, thereby extending component life without compromising overall braking effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the braking parameter (brake force magnitude) based on steering angle and vehicle operating conditions. When steering angle exceeds a threshold, the system reduces brake force on affected wheels, changing the braking regime from aggressive to gentle to reduce wear while maintaining sufficient braking capability.
2Force
If larger vehicle systems are used to accommodate increased steering loads, then steering load capacity is sufficient, but vehicle cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting steering conditions before excessive loads develop. When the steering angle sensor indicates an upcoming large-angle maneuver, the processor preemptively reduces or modifies brake application to prevent peak steering loads, allowing the use of smaller, less expensive steering components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors (steering angle, vehicle speed, brake pedal position) to continuously monitor steering load conditions and dynamically adjust brake application. This closed-loop control ensures steering loads remain within acceptable limits for the installed steering system capacity, eliminating the need for oversized components.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples provide a system for a vehicle. The system includes a set of sensors and an electronic processor in communication with the set of sensors and a set of vehicle brakes. The electronic processor receives a braking request indicative of a first braking force, determines a speed of the vehicle, determines a rack force of the vehicle, and determines whether a set of selective braking conditions are met. The selective braking conditions include a determination that the speed of the vehicle is less than a vehicle speed threshold and a determination that the rack force is greater than a rack force threshold. When the set of selective braking conditions are met, the electronic processor selectively controls a first brake according to the first braking force and a second brake according to a second braking force. The second braking force is less than the first braking force.