Steer-by-Brake Control for Commercial Vehicle Traffic Jams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle steering systems face challenges in autonomously maintaining lane position during low-speed operations, such as in traffic jams, leading to increased brake lining wear and requiring expensive active steering actuators not commonly found in commercial vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A steering control system that utilizes dissymmetrical braking to generate a yaw moment for steering, allowing the system to operate in both normal and backup modes, using existing braking systems to control lateral movement without active steering actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional braking systems are used for frequent stop & go operations in traffic jams, then the vehicle can maintain secure distance and follow traffic lane, but brake lining wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its traditional function (deceleration/stop) and a steering function simultaneously. The control module determines when to apply dissymmetrical braking forces to achieve lane following, allowing the existing braking system to replace expensive active steering actuators while maintaining traffic jam assist functionality
2Extent of automation
If active steering actuators are installed to enable autonomous steering in traffic jam situations, then autonomous lane following is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its traditional function (deceleration/stop) and a steering function simultaneously. The control module determines when to apply dissymmetrical braking forces to achieve lane following, allowing the existing braking system to replace expensive active steering actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the steering function from the traditional steering system and relocates it to the braking system. By removing the requirement for active steering actuators and using only the dissymmetrical braking capability, the system achieves autonomous lane following with reduced complexity and cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If dissymmetrical braking is applied to enable steering function, then autonomous steering is achieved without additional actuators, but brake wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dissymmetrical braking in a periodic and controlled manner rather than continuously. The control module activates the steer-by-brake function only when lane following is required and deactivates it when not needed, reducing overall brake wear while maintaining the steering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies only the necessary amount of dissymmetrical braking force required to achieve the desired steering effect, rather than continuous full braking. This partial action approach minimizes brake wear while still achieving the steering function
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 autonomous lane following and turning operations in traffic jams without additional actuators, reducing brake wear and cost, and is suitable for commercial vehicles with existing architectures.
Implementation Method 1
generating a braking signal for at least one vehicle wheel resulting in a yaw moment applied to the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A steering control system (100) for a commercial vehicle (10) ist disclosed. The commercial vehicle (10) comprising a braking system (20) and a steering system (30), the braking system (20) being configured to brake dissymetrically side wheels of the vehicle (10), the steering system being configured to steer the vehicle (10) in response to a steering signal (112, 113). The steering control system (100) comprises: a selection module (110) and a control module (120). The selection module is configured to switch between a first steering mode and a second steering mode, wherein the first steering mode indicates a steering of the vehicle (10) by turning vehicle wheels and the second steering mode indicates a steering of the vehicle (10) by generating a braking signal for at least one vehicle wheel resulting in a yaw moment applied to the vehicle (10). The control module (120) is configured to generate the first steering signal (111) indicating a steering demand in the first steering mode and a second steering signal (112) indicating a steering demand in the second steering mode. The control module (120) is further configured to provide the first steering signal (111) to the steering system (30) and the second steering signal (112) to the braking system (20) to brake the vehicle (10) dissymetrically and thereby steer the vehicle (10) as a result of the yaw moment.