Tire Warming via Non-Driven Wheel Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle performance during maximum acceleration events is compromised by tires that are at or below ambient temperature, leading to reduced traction and acceleration capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a control module to output control signals to apply braking force to non-driven wheels and drive the driven wheels at a higher speed than the vehicle, increasing tire temperature through friction, thereby enhancing grip and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the vehicle accelerates from a stationary position with cold tires, then the vehicle can move, but the tire temperature remains low resulting in reduced traction and acceleration performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by warming the tires before the vehicle begins acceleration. The control module detects when the vehicle is stationary and applies braking force to the non-driven wheels while simultaneously driving the driven wheels, thereby warming the tires in advance before acceleration is needed, ensuring optimal tire temperature and traction performance from the start of motion.
2Temperature
If the driven wheels are driven at higher speed than the vehicle to warm the tire, then tire temperature increases, but the non-driven wheels need braking force applied to maintain vehicle stability
Solution Approach 1:
The control module performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls the transmission to drive the driven wheels at higher speed than the vehicle, manages the brake system to apply braking force to non-driven wheels, and coordinates these actions based on vehicle speed and acceleration conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to warm tires effectively while maintaining vehicle stability through integrated control of powertrain and braking systems.
3Temperature
If braking force is applied to non-driven wheels while driven wheels are accelerated, then tire warming is achieved, but energy is consumed by both the propulsion system and braking system
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts what would normally be wasted energy into useful heat for tire warming. By applying braking force to the non-driven wheels while the driven wheels rotate faster than the vehicle speed, the friction generated by the braking action and the relative motion between tires and road surface generates heat that warms the tires. This approach transforms energy that would otherwise be lost to friction into beneficial thermal energy for improving tire performance.
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
The system effectively warms driven tires, improving traction and acceleration by increasing tire temperature, thus enhancing vehicle performance during critical driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
drive the one or more driven wheels to warm the tire of the one or more driven wheels
Implementation Method 2
apply a braking force to the one or more non-driven wheels of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for warming a tire of a driven wheel of a vehicle, in which the vehicle includes one or more driven wheels and one or more non-driven wheels. The method includes determining a range of a transmission associated with the vehicle and determining a position of a throttle pedal associated with an engine of the vehicle. Based on the determined range of the transmission and the determined position of the throttle pedal, the method includes outputting one or more control signals to apply a braking force to the one or more non-driven wheels of the vehicle and outputting one or more control signals to drive the one or more driven wheels to warm the tire of the one or more driven wheels.