Staged Reverse Braking Control via Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle braking systems are inadequate for safely responding to objects detected rearward at higher speeds, as they often fail to provide timely and effective braking interventions, particularly when driving in reverse.
Innovation Solution
A control system utilizing a combination of radar and ultrasonic sensors, along with vehicle speed and steering sensors, to implement a staged braking response. This system prefills the brakes upon detecting a stationary object, applies light braking when approaching, and increases to full braking if necessary to prevent collisions, leveraging a microprocessor-based controller to manage sensor data and brake application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing braking systems are used for reverse driving, then the system structure is simple, but the braking effectiveness at higher speeds is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The braking response is segmented into multiple stages: initial braking when an object is first detected, intermediate braking when the distance threshold is approached, and emergency braking when the safety threshold is reached. This staged approach enables effective braking at higher speeds by progressively increasing brake force according to the urgency of the situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system is prefilled with hydraulic pressure in advance before braking is actually needed. This preliminary action ensures that when reverse braking is required at higher speeds, the brakes can apply force immediately without delay, significantly improving braking effectiveness and response time.
2Reliability
If radar and ultrasonic sensors are used for object detection, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines radar sensors and ultrasonic sensors into a unified detection system. Radar provides long-range detection capability while ultrasonic sensors provide precise short-range detection. By merging these two sensor types, the system achieves reliable object detection across all distances without requiring separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to serve multiple functions: object detection, distance measurement, and collision risk assessment. Both radar and ultrasonic sensors are integrated into a single control system that manages reverse braking operations, allowing the sensor suite to perform multiple tasks rather than requiring dedicated sensors for each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If staged braking response is implemented, then the braking control precision is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking control system dynamically adjusts brake force based on real-time conditions. The controller continuously monitors object distance, relative speed, and brake pressure, automatically transitioning between different braking stages as conditions change. This dynamic control achieves precise braking adaptation without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control where the controller continuously receives information from sensors about object position and vehicle speed, compares this with desired safety margins, and automatically adjusts brake force accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise braking control while keeping the system architecture relatively simple through electronic control rather than mechanical complexity.
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 safe braking at higher speeds by providing timely and progressive braking interventions, effectively warning and preventing collisions with detected objects, even if the driver fails to intervene, while minimizing false activations through sensor fusion and threshold-based decision-making.
Implementation Method 1
The object detection sensor can include, for example, a radar sensor
Implementation Method 2
The object detection sensor can include, for example, a radar sensor and/or an ultrasonic sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for controlling a vehicle brake system while the vehicle is in reverse. The method includes prefilling the brake system upon detecting an object in the vehicle's path. If the vehicle continues to move toward the detected object and a first threshold is reached, light braking is applied. If the vehicle continues to move toward the detected object and a second threshold is reached, heavier braking up to full braking is applied to prevent the vehicle from colliding with the object.