Vehicle Rapid Stopping via Reverse Wheel Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rapid vehicle stopping technologies, such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), are inadequate for safely and efficiently stopping vehicles on slippery surfaces like snow or ice, as they do not effectively utilize reverse wheel rotation to enhance stopping speed and control.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that activates the brakes of all four wheels to stop forward motion, followed by reversing the wheel rotation driven by the engine until the vehicle stops, utilizing an electronic control unit and speed sensors to manage the process, which can be initiated by an emergency stop button or automatically via sensors, especially in self-driving cars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anti-lock braking system (ABS) is used to prevent wheel skidding, then vehicle control and steering ability are maintained, but stopping distance and stopping time are insufficiently reduced on slippery surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse rotation of the wheels after initial braking to create an opposing force that rapidly decelerates the vehicle. Instead of only preventing forward wheel rotation (ABS), the system actively rotates wheels in reverse to generate backward force, inverting the normal braking direction to achieve faster stopping on slippery surfaces
2Force
If conventional braking is applied on slippery surfaces, then stopping force is generated, but wheel skidding occurs reducing traction and stopping effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic cadence braking combined with reverse rotation phases. The brakes are applied and released in cycles, interspersed with reverse wheel rotation phases, creating a periodic action pattern that maintains traction while generating stopping force. This rhythmic application of braking and reverse rotation prevents continuous wheel lockup and maintains surface engagement
3Speed
If brake pressure is increased to stop the vehicle faster, then stopping speed improves, but wheel locking occurs causing loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses wheel speed sensors to continuously monitor wheel rotation and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts brake application timing and duration, and triggers reverse rotation when appropriate. This closed-loop feedback control prevents wheel locking while maintaining high stopping speed by making real-time adjustments based on actual wheel behavior
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
This approach allows for faster and more controlled vehicle stopping on slippery surfaces compared to conventional ABS systems, maintaining driver control and suitability for self-driving vehicles, while supplementing existing braking technologies.
Implementation Method 1
actuates the brake members of all four wheels to stop the forward rotation of each wheel
Implementation Method 2
engage the transmission to rotate the wheels in a reverse direction and release the brakes. The wheels are then actively driven by the engine and are rotated in the opposite direction
Data Source
AI summary
A method and associated apparatus for emergency stopping of a vehicle which has an electronic control unit (ECU) and speed sensors on each ground engaging wheel with other conventional components of a motor vehicle wherein once the apparatus for rapid stopping of a motor vehicle is activated, the brakes will stop the forward motion/rotation of each wheel and once the rotation of the tire is ceased the transmission is activated such that the tire will be driven in the reverse rotation until the vehicle is stopped, once the vehicle is stopped the transmission is placed into the original position or into park.