Sensor-Triggered Regenerative Braking Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems lack the capability to automatically engage full or near-full regenerative braking capacity when a collision is imminent, as they do not have the necessary information to determine such situations and activate the regenerative braking system independently of the brake pedal input.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors to detect vehicle and object positions and movements, coupled with a system controller that calculates collision risk using 1D, 2D, or 3D vector analysis, automatically activates both friction and regenerative braking systems when a predetermined risk or speed threshold is exceeded, allowing for simultaneous engagement of maximum braking capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the regenerative braking system is activated independently of brake pedal input, then the braking capacity and safety are improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary collision risk assessment using sensor data and vector analysis before the driver applies the brake pedal. When a collision is predicted, the regenerative braking system is pre-positioned to activate immediately upon brake pedal input, eliminating activation delay and maximizing braking effectiveness from the moment the driver reacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor data, brake pedal position, and vehicle dynamics to provide real-time feedback to the controller. This feedback loop enables the controller to assess collision risk dynamically and adjust the regenerative braking activation strategy, ensuring optimal braking performance while maintaining manageable control complexity through automated decision-making.
2Loss of time
If the system automatically activates regenerative braking based on collision risk calculation, then the response time is improved, but the complexity of detection and measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously performs vector analysis and collision risk assessment in advance, using sensor data to predict potential collision scenarios before they materialize. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a collision becomes imminent, the system can immediately activate regenerative braking without requiring time-consuming calculations at the moment of brake application.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: detecting object position and movement, calculating collision risk through vector analysis, monitoring brake pedal input, and providing data for both collision avoidance and normal braking operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, managing detection complexity while enabling rapid response.
3Power
If full regenerative braking capacity is engaged simultaneously with friction braking, then the braking power is improved, but the energy management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
When collision risk is detected, the system pre-configures the energy management system to allow full regenerative braking capacity activation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the brake pedal is applied, maximum regenerative braking power can be engaged immediately alongside friction braking without delay, achieving optimal braking power while simplifying real-time energy management decisions.
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
Enables the vehicle to stop before a collision by utilizing the full or near-full regenerative braking capacity in conjunction with friction braking, enhancing safety by automatically engaging maximum braking capacity when a collision is unavoidable.
Implementation Method 1
the regenerative braking system uses an electric motor as a generator to convert the kinetic energy into electric energy that can be recovered to the power grid
Implementation Method 2
kinetic energy is lost as heat in friction braking systems
Data Source
AI summary
In an emergency stop situation, the regenerative braking system is used to assist in rapid deceleration, by combining regenerative braking with conventional friction brakes. Sensors can also be used to trigger the braking systems, even before the driver is able to react. These sensors might include external cameras, ABS activation detection, radar and ultrasound.