Traction Control Using Pitch and Heave Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional traction control systems are ineffective in scenarios with reduced wheel load conditions, such as driving over speed bumps or undulating terrain, leading to unnecessary interventions that can cause annoyance and instability.
Innovation Solution
A traction control system that uses vehicle pitch and heave data to identify reduced wheel load conditions, modifying interventions by inhibiting or enhancing braking force and engine torque adjustments based on these conditions, with distinct modes for on-road and off-road operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional traction control interventions are applied based on wheelslip monitoring, then wheel grip is enhanced in normal conditions, but unnecessary interventions occur during reduced wheel load scenarios causing annoyance and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of reduced wheel load conditions using pitch and heave data before traction control interventions are applied. This allows the system to predict when wheels may become airborne and pre-adjust or inhibit traction control interventions, preventing the harmful effects of unnecessary braking actions that would otherwise occur after wheelslip detection
Solution Approach 2:
Pitch and heave data serve as intermediary parameters that bridge the gap between vehicle motion state and traction control decisions. These intermediary measurements allow the system to infer wheel load conditions without directly measuring wheel contact force, enabling more accurate determination of when traction control should be modified or inhibited
2Force
If traction control applies brake pressure to slipping wheels, then torque is transferred to other wheels, but in reduced wheel load scenarios this causes wheel locking and skidding
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts traction control intervention levels based on real-time pitch and heave measurements. When reduced wheel load conditions are detected through these dynamic measurements, the system automatically reduces or inhibits brake pressure application, preventing wheel locking and maintaining vehicle stability during transient conditions
3Reliability
If engine torque is reduced to help wheels regain traction, then wheel slip is controlled, but in reduced wheel load scenarios this impedes vehicle progress and causes driver annoyance
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pitch and heave data to preliminarily identify reduced wheel load conditions before engine torque reduction is applied. This preliminary detection allows the system to avoid unnecessary engine torque reductions during transient conditions like speed bumps, maintaining vehicle progress while still providing traction control when genuinely needed
Data Source
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AI summary
A traction control system for a motor vehicle comprises a controller configured to initiate a traction control intervention at one or more vehicle wheels. The controller is configured to inhibit the traction control intervention in dependence on a reduced wheel load condition in said one or more wheels. The reduced wheel load condition is identified based on at least one of a signal indicative of vehicle pitch; and a signal indicative of vehicle heave. Aspects of the invention also relate to vehicles comprising such systems, methods of controlling traction, and to related electronic controllers, software and processors.