Abstract: A brake control system is described that maximizes the braking efficiency of an under-damped actuator, such as a motor-driven linear screw. When an incipient lock condition is detected, the system determines the optimal brake pressure, relieves brake pressure and measures the duration of the pressure release. When the wheel is approaching recovery, but has not yet substantially recovered, the system holds brake pressure constant at a value calculated to represent the amount of pressure remaining at the wheel brake. This calculated hold value is based upon the measured optimal pressure and the measured release duration, and allows the wheel to continue to reaccelerate towards recovery while preventing unnecessary pressure relief. Once the wheel recovers, the system reapplies brake pressure to a substantial fraction of the optimal pressure without over-exciting the actuator and over-shooting the desired pressure.

Abstract: A brake control system is described that maximizes vehicle braking efficiency by first determining, and then cycling wheel brake pressure and consequently wheel slip about, the critical slip value for the road surface. As each road surface has unique tractive characteristics, the amount of brake pressure required to produce critical wheel slip, and hence maximum brake force, varies for different coefficient of friction road surfaces. This invention determines the coefficient of friction for the operating surface and adjusts the system slip threshold to accurately mimic the actual critical slip value for the road surface. The invention then applies and releases wheel brake pressure so as to cycle wheel slip about this critical slip value.