Vehicle Instability Measure Using Propulsion Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle stability systems fail to provide a robust and reliable measure of instability, leading to unnecessary and hazardous use of braking functions, especially at higher speeds, which can result in accidents and damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that continuously establish a measure of instability by calculating the difference between expected and actual propulsion, using yaw rate and lateral acceleration, and provide this measure within a vehicle's communications network to connected braking control devices, allowing for optimized and safer braking actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicle stability systems continuously monitor and activate braking functions to maintain stability, then vehicle stability control is improved, but unnecessary and hazardous braking actions occur especially at higher speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter used for instability measurement from simple sensor readings to a simulated propulsion value based on yaw rate and lateral acceleration. This parameter transformation allows the system to distinguish between actual instability requiring braking intervention and normal vehicle dynamics, thereby reducing hazardous unnecessary braking actions while maintaining reliable stability control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring the difference between simulated expected propulsion and actual propulsion derived from vehicle speed and steering rate. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment of braking functions only when genuine instability is detected, preventing hazardous unnecessary braking while ensuring reliable stability control when needed.
2Device complexity
If simple sensor-based instability measurement is used, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary simulated propulsion value that mediates between raw sensor data and instability determination. By using yaw rate and lateral acceleration to simulate expected propulsion, and comparing it with actual propulsion from speed and steering rate, the system achieves reliable and accurate instability measurement without requiring complex additional sensors or measurement systems.
3Reliability
If braking functions are activated frequently to ensure stability, then safety margin is improved, but vehicle performance and driver control are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by activating braking functions only when the simulated propulsion difference indicates genuine instability, rather than continuously or excessively. This selective partial activation maintains adequate safety margins while avoiding performance degradation from unnecessary braking interventions, allowing normal vehicle operation to proceed without interference.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention pertains to a method for the improvement of safety when driving a vehicle comprising the steps to: - continuously (s410) establish a measure of instability relating to the vehicle; - continuously provide (s420) said measure of instability within a communications network internal to the vehicle (L230, L240), to which network at least one vehicle braking function's control device (240a; 240b; 240c; 240d) is connected; and - continuously establish said measure of instability based on a difference between an expected propulsion and an actual propulsion. The invention also pertains to a computer program product comprising program code (P) for a computer (200; 210) to implement a method according to the invention. The invention also pertains to a device (298, 299) for the improvement of safety when driving a vehicle and a motor vehicle (100) which is equipped with such a device.