Vehicle Stability Control via Predicted Yaw Rate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle stability control systems are insufficient in mitigating vehicle instability events caused by malfunctions in propulsion systems, leading to excessive regenerative braking, which can result in loss of traction and deviation from the intended path, as they react only to current conditions rather than predicting future states.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that predict future vehicle yaw rates based on current wheel slip data, allowing for pre-emptive control of braking torque to mitigate potential instability events by comparing predicted yaw rates to target rates and adjusting braking torque accordingly, thereby minimizing path deviation and assisting the driver in maintaining control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional stability control systems react only to current conditions, then the system complexity remains manageable, but the response time is insufficient to prevent significant vehicle deviation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future wheel slip events before they occur. The prediction module analyzes current vehicle state and propulsion system behavior to forecast potential instability, allowing the stability control system to prepare corrective braking actions in advance rather than reacting after deviation occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies beforehand cushioning by pre-applying braking torque to wheels that are predicted to experience slip. This preventive braking creates a cushion against the anticipated loss of traction, reducing the severity of the instability event before it fully develops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Loss of energy

If regenerative braking components provide the majority of braking function, then energy efficiency is improved, but malfunction risk increases causing unintended excessive braking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidmalfunction risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the actual vehicle response to regenerative braking and comparing it against expected behavior. The prediction module detects anomalies in wheel slip patterns that indicate malfunctioning regenerative braking, and the stability control system adjusts braking distribution accordingly to compensate for the malfunction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The stability control system acts as an intermediary between the propulsion system and the wheels. It monitors the interaction between regenerative braking and wheel traction, and when malfunction is detected, it introduces friction braking as a mediating mechanism to override the excessive regenerative braking torque.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If friction braking components are used only when regenerative braking is insufficient, then component wear is reduced, but response capability during instability events is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent lifespanVSAvoidresponse capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by dynamically switching between regenerative and friction braking based on real-time conditions. The stability control system continuously adjusts the braking mix, engaging friction braking components when predicted wheel slip indicates instability, and relying on regenerative braking during normal operation to extend component lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3390176B1Method for controlling a vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD
  • EP3390176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3390176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3390176B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method for controlling a vehicle. The method comprises receiving data relating to a wheel slip event and determining a predicted vehicle yaw rate in dependence on the data relating to the wheel slip event. The method further comprises comparing the predicted vehicle yaw rate to a target yaw rate, and controlling a braking torque applied by a braking mechanism to at least one wheel of the vehicle, in dependence on the predicted vehicle yaw rate.