Towing Vehicle Controller Adaptive Braking Mode Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current braking systems in vehicle platoons face challenges in managing inter-vehicle gap distances dynamically, especially when the braking capabilities of towed vehicles are indeterminate, leading to potential instability and increased risk of collisions during emergency braking situations.
Innovation Solution
A braking controller and method that determines the braking mode of towed vehicles based on a deceleration command value relative to a predetermined threshold, switching between non-enhanced and enhanced braking modes to ensure adequate deceleration, using a processor and control logic to adjust the braking force applied to the towed vehicles in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a predetermined reduced proportion of braking force is applied to towed vehicles in non-enhanced braking mode, then system simplicity is maintained, but deceleration effectiveness is insufficient during emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system dynamically adjusts the braking force proportion applied to towed vehicles based on real-time deceleration requirements. The controller monitors the deceleration command value and automatically switches between non-enhanced mode (predetermined reduced proportion) and enhanced braking mode (greater than predetermined proportion) to optimize deceleration effectiveness while maintaining system simplicity.
2Reliability
If enhanced braking mode is always applied to towed vehicles, then deceleration effectiveness is improved, but system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies enhanced braking action only when necessary, based on the deceleration command value threshold. During normal braking situations, the predetermined reduced proportion is sufficient and is used to conserve energy. When emergency deceleration is detected (deceleration command value exceeds threshold), the system temporarily applies enhanced braking mode to ensure adequate stopping power, then returns to the energy-efficient reduced proportion mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the braking controller dynamically adjusts braking force based on deceleration command value, then adaptability to varying conditions is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking controller adapts to varying vehicle and environmental conditions by dynamically changing the braking force parameter applied to towed vehicles. The controller compares the deceleration command value against a predetermined threshold and automatically adjusts the braking proportion parameter between two discrete levels (non-enhanced and enhanced modes), providing adaptability without requiring complex continuous control algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A braking controller and method in a towing vehicle towing one or more towed vehicles as a combination vehicle provides brake control of the one or more towed vehicles based on a level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle. A non-enhanced braking mode applies a first level of braking force to the towed vehicles in a predetermined reduced proportion relative to the level of braking force applied to the towing vehicle, and an enhanced braking mode applies a second level of braking force to the towed vehicles greater than the first level of braking force. A controller deceleration command input receives a deceleration command signal which is compared against predetermined threshold deceleration rate value or against a current deceleration value being executed by the combination vehicle and, based on a result of the comparisons, either the enhanced or the non-enhanced braking modes are implemented by the controller.