Control Of Brake Pressure Patents (Class 701/83)
  • Patent number: 7826953
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assisting the driver of a motor vehicle with a fishtailing trailer. A vehicle with a fishtailing trailer can be stabilized in an especially rapid manner in that, in a first state, the fishtailing of the trailer is analyzed by evaluating at least one vehicle state variable, and when critical fishtailing is detected, a warning is output to the driver in a second state so as to induce the driver to brake, and the driver—provided he initiates braking—is assisted in the braking operation by automatic actuation of the vehicle brakes, a brake pressure being set at which the most optimal vehicle deceleration possible is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ansgar Traechtler
  • Patent number: 7784568
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a track on a tracked vehicle may comprise a drive system, a clutch, a brake, and a track control system to operate the clutch and the brake. A control signal generator operatively associated with the track control system produces control signals that vary at a first rate to cause the track control system to transition the clutch from an engaged state to a disengaged state and produces control signals that vary at a second rate to cause the track control system to transition the brake from an initial application state to a full application state, the second rate being less than the first rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.
    Inventors: John Petersen, Eric Poulson
  • Patent number: 7778753
    Abstract: A vehicle operation assist system includes as assist yaw rate calculator which calculates a necessary moving amount to avoid an obstacle based on a detection result of the obstacle by a radar device, and a vehicle movement controller controls lateral movement of the vehicle based on the calculated moving amount. When an avoiding operation detector determines initiation of an obstacle avoiding operation by the driver, the vehicle movement controller operates a braking device to control the lateral movement of the vehicle, so that the obstacle can be reliably avoided. When a restoring operation detector determines initiation of a restoring operation, the vehicle movement controller operates a power steering device to control the lateral movement of the vehicle, so that delay in the steering operation by the driver, and excessive restoring operation of the steering handle to compensate for the delay are suppressed, thus stabilizing vehicle behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Fujiwara, Mitsuharu Kanaboshi, Yasushi Shoda
  • Patent number: 7770681
    Abstract: A method of operating a machine having a lockable differential includes monitoring a first operating parameter indicative of wheel slip, and monitoring a second operating parameter different from the first parameter, the method further including controlling locking and unlocking of the differential responsive to the second operating parameter. A machine is provided having an electronic controller including software control logic for controlling locking and unlocking of a differential, the electronic controller being configured to lock the differential where the machine is in an operating mode where wheel slip is likely, such as a digging/dozing mode. Satisfaction of criteria for locking may be recognition by the controller of a predetermined pattern of sensor inputs corresponding with a likely wheel slip condition, or actual slip detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Sameer S. Marathe, Scott A. Marks, Bradford J. Holt
  • Patent number: 7747359
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a semi-active suspension including suspension dampers controllably adjustable in accordance with electronic stability control commands and ride and handling commands. Vehicle steering response states, turning direction states and vehicle dynamics states are binary coded in respective state variables and suspension control calibrations are binary coded in calibration words. Integrity and security of state variables and calibration words are ensured in efficient binary digit resource allocation schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerfegar K. Katrak, Steven D. Palazzolo, Mark A. Seifert
  • Patent number: 7734403
    Abstract: A system for vehicle driver support carrying out assist functions in a motor vehicle for supporting the driver in stopping and starting maneuvers, which are activated depending on a first comparison between at least one driving state parameter and a threshold value and/or based on first actuating signals from an actuating unit operable by the driver. A control unit determines a vehicle state by way of another comparison of at least one driving state variable with a predetermined threshold value and/or based on additional actuating signals of the actuating unit, in that the control unit checks whether at least one assist function is activated, and in that the control unit controls the brake system of the vehicle depending on the detected vehicle state when at least one assist function is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Mark Baijens, Oliver Huth, Markus Ohly, Thomas Meurers, Patrick Wischer
  • Patent number: 7734404
    Abstract: A deceleration control apparatus for a vehicle including a controller that performs deceleration control based on a first target deceleration set based on a distance to a starting point of an upcoming curve, when the deceleration control for the curve is started at a position distant from the starting point of the curve; and that performs the deceleration control based on a second target deceleration set based on a lateral acceleration that is estimated to be detected when the vehicle passes the starting point of the curve, when the deceleration control for the curve is started at a position close to the starting point of the curve. With this apparatus, it is possible to perform the deceleration control that provides drive assist according to the intention of the driver and that enhances driving convenience for the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Shiiba, Kunihiro Iwatsuki, Yukihiro Ikeda, Masayoshi Hoshino, Akira Matsui
  • Publication number: 20100138129
    Abstract: A hill start assistance method for a user of a vehicle having a braking system and an electronic braking control, provided with at least one master cylinder pressure sensor, whereby the pressure on each caliper of the vehicle can be controlled. The method includes: estimating the torque transmitted by the clutch, recording information corresponding to the value of the master cylinder pressure resulting from a user's actuation of the brake pedal, and recording the information recorded corresponding to the value of the master cylinder pressure when the user actuates the brake pedal again by pressing harder on the pedal or partially releasing same. When the user releases the brake pedal fully, the braking system maintains the pressure on the calipers for a predetermined period of time, as a function of a pressure set value equal to the value of the last item of information recorded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Mickael Mallet, Richard Pothin
  • Patent number: 7729842
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine that drives a first set of wheels, a generator, wherein the generator is powered by the internal combustion engine, a inverter connected to an output of the generator, an AC motor connected to an output of the inverter, and a controller, wherein the controller controls the generator, the inverter and the AC motor. The AC motor drives a second set of wheels. Power output by the generator is controlled according to a desired torque output for the second set of wheels. The controller calculates a potential power based upon the current status of the generator and controls the AC motor by the inverter based on the smaller of the desired torque and the potential power output of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidehiko Sugita
  • Patent number: 7722135
    Abstract: A braking system for a vehicle, which can prevent an alteration in brake pedal toe force when a brake hydraulic pressure is increased or decreased based on a regenerative braking force obtained by a drive motor in an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, and a braking method thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: I-Jin Yang
  • Patent number: 7720589
    Abstract: A vehicle control device using brake hydraulic pressure includes a hydraulic unit having a housing and an electronic control unit having a casing. The housing of the hydraulic unit is mounted on a mounting surface of the casing of the electronic control unit so that the casing of the electronic control unit protrudes from the housing of the hydraulic unit to one side. On the protruding area of the casing, a bulge is formed in which a vehicle behavioral sensor is mounted. A control connector is also provided on the protruding area of the casing. The bulge does not protrude from the substantially square contour of the vehicle control device. Thus, the bulge will scarcely increase the installation space of the vehicle control device. A vehicle behavioral sensor is mounted on a small substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Hashiba
  • Patent number: 7711469
    Abstract: A process and device for controlling the brake system of a motor vehicle with all-wheel drive are described. The process and the device include an electronic control unit which controls at least one coupling unit for engaging and disengaging an all-wheel drive, so that at least one wheel can be decoupled, from the drive. After stopping the motor vehicle, for example on a sloping roadway, a predefined brake pressure on at least one wheel of the motor vehicle is held either depending on or independently from the extent of brake pedal actuation. The brake pressure is held until a brake pressure reduction condition is present, such as during a brake pressure holding time. During that time, the brake pressure on at least the one wheel is reduced and the wheel is decoupled from the drive to detect slippage, while at least one other wheel remains pressurized with brake pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Guenther Sokoll, Christian Scheinost, Toni Braeuer, Simon Schilling
  • Patent number: 7706945
    Abstract: A vehicle lateral control system that integrates both vehicle dynamics and kinematics control. The system includes a driver interpreter that provides desired vehicle dynamics and predicted vehicle path based on driver input. Error signals between the desired vehicle dynamics and measured vehicle dynamics, and between the predicted vehicle path and the measured vehicle target path are sent to dynamics and kinematics control processors for generating a separate dynamics and kinematics command signals, respectively, to minimize the errors. The command signals are integrated by a control integration processor to combine the commands to optimize the performance of stabilizing the vehicle and tracking the path. The integrated command signal can be used to control one or more of front wheel assist steering, rear-wheel assist steering or differential braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Weiwen Deng, Yong H. Lee
  • Patent number: 7672769
    Abstract: A device for longitudinal guidance of a motor vehicle, including a driver assistance system which outputs a brake request signal to a brake control unit. The driver assistance system is designed to output a brake request signal in the form of a distance signal which specifies the distance to be traveled by the vehicle within which the vehicle is to reach a predefinable target velocity. The brake control unit has a conversion unit for converting the distance signal into a brake operation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Goetz Braeuchle, Hermann Winner
  • Patent number: 7669943
    Abstract: In the roll-over preventing control, a vehicle motion control device 10 causes inner-wheel braking force, according to the absolute value of an actual lateral acceleration Gy, only on the rear wheel at the inner side of the turning direction when the absolute value |Gy| of the actual lateral acceleration is not less than a rear-wheel-side reference value Gyr and not more than a front-wheel-side reference value Gyf thereby causing height lowering force at the vehicle rear-side section of the inner side of the turning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihisa Kato, Junya Nagaya
  • Patent number: 7668633
    Abstract: In a method for determining at least one, preferably however several driver-independent interventions in a vehicle system, a risk calculator is used, whose input is supplied with predetermined vehicle data, ambience data, current vehicle and driver data, occupant data or data of persons outside the vehicle, or similar data. The risk calculator issues an evaluation of the risk situation of the vehicle and its occupants or the persons outside the vehicle based on said data and, in accordance with the evaluation and optional additional criteria or weightings, outputs driving signals controlling actuators that modify or trigger the driving behavior of the vehicle and/or the occupant protection system and/or protection means for other traffic participants (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.) in such a way that maximum protection is obtained for the persons and the vehicle according to a priority control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Tevas AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: JĂĽrgen Diebold, Michael Klug
  • Patent number: 7657357
    Abstract: A transfer clutch control units operates a second transfer clutch torque corresponding to a yaw moment out of the transfer clutch torque to be output to a transfer clutch drive unit by a second transfer clutch torque operational unit. The second transfer clutch torque operational unit operates a reference lateral acceleration from a lateral acceleration to be operated based on a linear vehicle motion model from a vehicle driving state and a preset coefficient according to the vehicle driving state, in addition to the yaw moment sensing the yaw rate and the yaw moment sensing the steering wheel angle, and operate the yaw moment corresponding to the deviation between the reference lateral acceleration and the actual lateral acceleration as a corrected value of the yaw moment. Not only a high ? road but also a low ? road, even abrupt change of road surfaces or the like can be consistently and optimally coped with in excellent response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Matsuno
  • Patent number: 7653471
    Abstract: A roll control system (16) for an automotive vehicle (10) is used to actively detect if one of the plurality of the driven wheels (12) is lifted. The system generates a pressure request to determine if the wheel has lifted. By comparing the change in wheel speed of a driven wheel to a change in wheel speed threshold the wheel lift status can be determined. The wheel speed change threshold may be dependent upon various vehicle operating conditions such as powertrain torque, braking torque and/or longitudinal force on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Glenn Mattson, Todd Allen Brown, Joseph Carr Meyers, Michael Edward Brewer
  • Patent number: 7643926
    Abstract: A rolling motion stability control apparatus restrains a roll increasing tendency of a vehicle, with each wheel of the vehicle being braked by a wheel brake device. A first braking force control device is provided for applying a first braking force to the wheel, when the vehicle is turned to one direction. A second braking force control device is provided for applying a second braking force to the wheel, when the vehicle is turned to the other direction. References for starting controls of the first and second braking force control devices are set to be of predetermined values, respectively. The reference for starting the control of the second braking force control device is modified to be smaller than a predetermined value, when the vehicle is turned to the one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yasui, Toshihisa Kato, Hiroshi Matsuoka, Junya Nagaya
  • Publication number: 20090326777
    Abstract: A slip suppression control system for a vehicle includes a monitored value detecting device for detecting a monitored value corresponding to a difference between a rotational speed of a front wheel and a rear wheel, and a traction control unit configured to initiate initial traction control for reducing a driving power of a drive wheel when a threshold determiner unit determines that the monitored value exceeds a first slip threshold and to execute continued traction control such that the driving power is reduced when the threshold determiner unit determines that the monitored value exceeds a second slip threshold smaller than the first slip threshold, while the driving power is increased when the threshold determiner unit determines that the monitored value is smaller than a gripping threshold which is the second slip threshold or smaller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeru Oshima, Tatsuya Hirokami
  • Patent number: 7580785
    Abstract: In a vehicle dynamics control apparatus capable of balancing a vehicle dynamics stability control system and a lane deviation prevention control system, a cooperative control section is provided to make a cooperative control between lane deviation prevention control (LDP) and vehicle dynamics stability control (VDC). When a direction of yawing motion created by LDP control is opposite to a direction of yawing motion created by VDC control, the cooperative control section puts a higher priority on VDC control rather than LDP control. Conversely when the direction of yawing motion created by LDP control is identical to the direction of yawing motion created by VDC control, a higher one of the LDP desired yaw moment and the VDC desired yaw moment is selected as a final desired yaw moment, to prevent over-control, while keeping the effects obtained by both of VDC control and LDP control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Matsumoto, Genpei Naito, Satoshi Tange
  • Patent number: 7577509
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle braking system, for delivering pressurized air to a brake chamber to achieve a desired braking response, includes an air-pressure controlled relay valve for delivering the pressurized air to the brake chamber. A solenoid receives a variable control input pressure and delivers the control input pressure to the relay valve as a function of a state of the solenoid. An ECU controls the solenoid according to a control model for delivering the pressurized air to the brake chamber and achieving the desired braking response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Hermann J. Goebels, Christopher M. Knaack
  • Patent number: 7562947
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the driving force of a vehicle is capable of using brakes to limit a differential operation, securing sufficient torque, and suppressing the heating and wearing of the brakes. In the vehicle, an engine generates torque to drive front wheels and/or rear wheels. A front differential allows differential rotation between the front wheels and transmits torque of the engine to the front wheels. A rear differential allows differential rotation between the rear wheels and transmits torque of the engine to the rear wheels. Disk brakes separately brake the front and rear wheels. An ABS/attitude electric control unit controls the disk brakes to limit differential rotation between the front wheels or between the rear wheels. At least one of the front and rear differentials is provided with a differential limiting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Torque Technology KK
    Inventors: Kunio Katada, Masatoshi Noguchi, Masao Teraoka
  • Patent number: 7565232
    Abstract: Control electronics integrated in a brake, preferably a disc brake, are provided in particular for utility vehicles. The disc brake includes a brake caliper covering a brake disc and a brake application device with pneumatic or electromotive actuation, located in the brake caliper and used for applying the brake. The control electronics monitors specific parameters of the brake and regulates braking components and is connected to a power supply. The control electronics is characterized in that it includes at least one transmitter/receiver unit which is in active connection with a sensor external to the brake, pertaining to the wheel or proximate the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Baumgartner, Guenther Gschossmann
  • Patent number: 7529600
    Abstract: A target vehicle path is corrected in accordance with the environment surrounding a vehicle during parking assist or U-turn assist. To achieve the target vehicle path, target wheel speeds are set for respective wheels so as to generate a speed difference an inside wheel and an outside wheel of a turn. The target wheel speed is achieved by controlling braking force and driving force of each wheel. Thus, it is possible for the vehicle to turn with a smaller turning radius than that generated by a normal steering angle, and to cause the vehicle to move accurately along the target vehicle path that avoids any obstacles that are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Mori, Kazutaka Kato, Kazuhiro Kamiya, Masahiro Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20090112436
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for detecting and compensating for a traction steer event is provided. A first wheel speed of a first driven wheel is compared with a second wheel speed of a second driven wheel to determine whether a wheel slip condition has occurred. If a wheel slip condition is determined to have occurred, a current operating state of a vehicle is compared to an expected operating state of the vehicle to determine if a traction steer event has occurred. If a traction steer event is determined to have occurred, brake pressure is selectively applied to the first or second driven wheel to compensate for the traction steer event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: DAVID T. DE CARTERET, LARRY G. GEPFREY, GREGORY K. PETERSON, MARK S. HOGLE
  • Publication number: 20090099728
    Abstract: A collision avoiding control apparatus has a side acceleration command calculator unit for calculating a side acceleration command by judging whether an obstacle is to be avoided, by calculating a distance of the obstacle capable of being avoided, in accordance with a distance and width of the obstacle in front of a vehicle and a vehicle speed, and if it is judged that the obstacle is to be avoided, calculating a side acceleration necessary for a vehicle side motion amount to satisfy the width, in accordance with the distance and width and the vehicle speed, and a steering angle calculator unit for calculating in a predictable manner a vehicle steering angle from the side acceleration command calculated by the side acceleration command calculator unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori ICHINOSE, Makoto YAMAKADO, Masato ABE
  • Patent number: 7516008
    Abstract: This vehicle motion control apparatus obtains a yaw rate deviation by subtracting the value (actual-yaw-rate-after-low-pass-filter-process Yrfilter), which is obtained by providing with a time constant ?1 (>?2) the low-pass filter process to the actual yaw rate Yr obtained from the yaw rate sensor incorporated in the HU, from the value (turning-angle-yaw-rate-after-low-pass-filter-process Yrtfilter) obtained by providing with the time constant ?2 the low-pass filter process to the turning angle yaw rate Yrt obtained on the basis of the actual steering angle obtained from the steering angle sensor, which is provided separate from the hydraulic unit HU. When this yaw rate deviation exceeds the threshold value Yrth (time t3?), this apparatus starts an under-steer suppression control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanobu Fukami, Hirohisa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7512474
    Abstract: When a driver returns a brake pedal on a climbing road, brakes of front wheels to which power is output from an engine with brakes of rear wheels being held are released (S140), and a throttle opening TH is gradually increased so that a rotation speed of the engine reaches a target rotation speed Ne* according to a road gradient ? (S180). When an outputtable torque Tem that can be output to the front wheels and the rear wheels becomes larger than a target torque Td* according to the road gradient ?, the brakes of the rear wheels are released (S240) to start a vehicle. This allows a smooth start of the vehicle on the climbing road. On the other hand, when a slip of the front wheels is determined before the outputtable torque Tem reaches the target torque Td*, the brakes of the front wheels are returned to the original state, climbing road start control is prohibited (S260 and S270), and a stopping state is held. This properly addresses the problem when the vehicle cannot smoothly start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Tabata, Hiroshi Sato
  • Publication number: 20090063002
    Abstract: A vehicle motion control device and method computes a size of a using friction circle in each of wheels by multiplying a size of an each wheel friction circle indicating a maximum generating force in each of the wheel tires by a previously computed each wheel using percentage, computes the each wheel tire generating force and the each wheel using percentage indicating a rate with respect to an upper limit value of a ?-using efficiency in each of the wheels, on the basis of a target vehicle body force and moment indicating a target vehicle body longitudinal force, a target vehicle body transverse force and a target yaw moment, and the computed size of the using friction circle, and controls a vehicle motion in such a manner that the computed each wheel tire generating force is obtained on the basis of the computed each wheel tire generating force, thereby minimizing an upper limit of the ?-using efficiency in each of the wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiichi Ono, Yoshikazu Hattori
  • Patent number: 7489995
    Abstract: An angular velocity detection device is provided for detecting an angular velocity about a single axis tilted in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle to a normal axis thereof. An actual motion state variable of the vehicle is calculated on the basis of the detected angular velocity. At least one of the braking force and driving force applied to a vehicle is controlled to stabilize a yawing motion and a rolling motion of the vehicle, on the basis of a motion state variable deviation between a desired motion state variable and the actual motion state variable, e.g., a deviation between a yaw velocity and a roll velocity of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yasui, Toshihisa Kato, Eiichi Ono, Yuji Muragishi, Tomoko Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20090012690
    Abstract: Vehicle descent is controlled in at least one implementation by comparing an engine braking torque to a target engine braking torque, and controlling one or more vehicle brakes to maintain the engine braking torque substantially at the target engine braking torque. The target engine braking torque may be varied as a function of one or more factors or conditions, such as accelerator position or brake application pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Loren M. Trotter, Adam C. Chiappetta
  • Patent number: 7463965
    Abstract: The invention provides a roll-over suppressing control apparatus for a vehicle wherein appropriate braking force can be applied to a turning outer wheel in response to a situation and a rolling state of the vehicle to suppress otherwise possible roll-over of the vehicle while assuring the traveling performance. A roll parameter value detection section detects a parameter value corresponding to a rolling state of a vehicle, and a turning type decision section decides a type of turning of the vehicle. A roll-over suppressing control section controls a braking mechanism in a predetermined period so that, when the rolling state of the vehicle upon turning of the vehicle is excessive with respect to a first reference state, an amount of braking force corresponding to the magnitude of the roll parameter value and the type of turning. By the control, while the traveling performance of the vehicle is assured, roll-over of the vehicle can be suppressed effectively to assure the stability of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
    Inventor: Kunio Sakata
  • Publication number: 20080234912
    Abstract: A method is provided for counteracting a roll moment in a vehicle rollover event. A potential occurrence of the rollover event is detected over an outside wheel. The potential rollover occurrence event is detected when a tire lateral force is greater than a lateral acceleration force. A braking torque is applied to at least one outside wheel (rear outside, front outside or both outside wheels) for producing a longitudinal wheel slip on the at least one outside wheel wherein the longitudinal wheel slip increases a longitudinal force acting on the at least one outside wheel, cooperatively producing a vehicle yaw for off setting an oversteering condition. The peak lateral friction is reduced between a tire coupled to the at least one outside wheel and an underlying road surface in order to reduce the peak lateral friction and the roll moment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: S. Ben Choi
  • Publication number: 20080221771
    Abstract: A method for controlling the rotational speed of at least one rotating element in a vehicle's drive line is provided. A first control model and a second control model are defined. The first control model calculates a permitted slippage of at least one of the vehicle's ground-engaging elements at its point of contact with the ground, which ground-engaging element is driven via the rotating element. The second control model calculates a torque delivered to the said ground-engaging element. The result of one of the said control models is utilized for controlling the rotational speed of the rotating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT HOLDING SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Karl Erik Olsson
  • Patent number: 7415341
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle braking system, for delivering pressurized air to a brake chamber to achieve a desired braking response, includes an air-pressure controlled relay valve for delivering the pressurized air to the brake chamber. A solenoid receives a variable control input pressure and delivers the control input pressure to the relay valve as a function of a state of the solenoid. An ECU controls the solenoid according to a control model for delivering the pressurized air to the brake chamber and achieving the desired braking response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Hermann J. Goebels, Christopher M. Knaack
  • Publication number: 20080183353
    Abstract: Improved methods of controlling the stability of a vehicle are provided via the cooperative operation of vehicle stability control systems such as an Active Yaw Control system, Antilock Braking System, and Traction Control System. These methods use recognition of road surface information including the road friction coefficient (mu), wheel slippage, and yaw deviations. The methods then modify the settings of the active damping system and/or the distribution of drive torque, as necessary, to increase/reduce damping in the suspension and shift torque application at the wheels, thus preventing a significant shift of load in the vehicle and/or improving vehicle drivability and comfort. The adjustments of the active damping system or torque distribution temporarily override any characteristics that were pre-selected by the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: James W. Post, Xiaodi Kang, William Monsma
  • Publication number: 20080172163
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a speed sensor that generates a vehicle speed signal. A sway detection sensor generates an oscillation signal. A brake control is coupled to a vehicle brake and is associated with a trailer brake. A controller is coupled to a stability control system and brakes one or more of the vehicle brake and the trailer brake and in response to the oscillation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicants: FORD MOTOR COMPANY, Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kirk Englert, Doug Marsden, Erik Chubb, David Messih, Paul Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20080133101
    Abstract: A method for suppressing a lateral rollover tendency of an at least two-axle and at least two-track vehicle, wherein when a first threshold value of a dynamic and/or static quantity correlating with a vehicle lateral acceleration is exceeded, maximum brake pressures are introduced into the wheel brakes of the vehicle as a rollover prevention, with the threshold value representing a value at which a risk of rollover is encountered at a permissible vehicle load of any type; and a second threshold value of a quantity correlating with the vehicle lateral acceleration is provided, at which low brake pressures are introduced, which is lower than the first threshold value, and wherein the quantity correlating with the vehicle lateral acceleration represents a low rollover tendency level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO.OHG
    Inventors: Jurgen Woywod, Ralph Gronau, Artur Kost, Michael Horn
  • Publication number: 20080125948
    Abstract: A brake control device includes a braking device provided to a wheel, the braking device having a function of applying a brake force to the wheel while adjusting the brake force. The brake control device includes: an acceleration sensor for outputting acceleration data of acceleration acting on the rotating tire in a radial direction of the tire; a contact length calculating unit for calculating contact lengths of the tire based on the acceleration data; a brake sensor for detecting that a brake force is applied and for outputting a detection signal; a judging unit for outputting, to the braking device, a brake information signal for adjusting the brake force according to comparative judgment information which is obtained by comparing the calculated contact lengths; and a brake control unit for outputting a control signal for causing the braking device to adjust a brake force thereof according to the brake information signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Matsuda, Tsuyoshi Kitazaki, Naoshi Miyashita
  • Patent number: 7349787
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of servo-control in a vehicle brake system including at least one electric brake having at least one actuator comprising a pusher facing friction elements and driven by an electric motor to apply a force selectively against the friction elements in response to a braking setpoint, the method making use of a plurality of relationships between various operating parameters of the actuator including a relationship between a pusher position and a corresponding force applied by the pusher to the friction elements. According to the invention, the method comprises the step of adjusting a particular relationship between position and force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti
    Inventor: Julien Thibault
  • Patent number: 7346443
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of servo-control in a vehicle braking system that includes at least one electric brake provided with at least one actuator comprising a pusher facing friction elements and driven by an electric motor to apply a force selectively against the friction elements in response to a braking setpoint, the method making use of a relationship for transforming a setpoint for the braking that is to be applied by the pusher into a setpoint for the position of the pusher. The method of the invention includes the step of adjusting a particular relationship by imposing pauses in the position of the pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Messier-Bugati
    Inventor: Julien Thibault
  • Patent number: 7343148
    Abstract: Restrictions on use of a cellular telephone in a vehicle, such as an automobile, are imposed using a global position system (GPS) device to determine the location of a vehicle in relation to geographic regions in which legal or customer restrictions on cellular telephone use are to be imposed. Network or local short-range wireless transmitters supply information to a cellular telephone describing potentially applicable restriction information retrieved from network databases. In response, a cellular telephone determines applicability of such restrictions and applies them to further use of the cellular telephone while such restrictions continue to apply. Alternative arrangements allow vehicle-based or network based processing of region and restrictions information to yield command messages to cellular telephones to control their further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas O'Neil
  • Patent number: 7302328
    Abstract: A steering control apparatus obtains a steered amount by which a steered wheel is steered based on a left-and-right braking force difference control amount, a vehicle state control amount, and a steering control amount. The apparatus changes the magnitude of the braking force difference control amount and the magnitude of the vehicle state control amount according to a vehicle speed or to time elapsed from when braking started to be applied to the left and right wheels. Accordingly, the vehicle driving on a ?-split road is prevented from being deflected toward a side of higher friction coefficient due to the left-and-right braking force difference when the braking is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignees: JTEKT Corporation, Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kato, Minekazu Momiyama, Yoshiyuki Yasui, Hiroaki Aizawa, Hiroaki Niino
  • Patent number: 7255407
    Abstract: A braking control device for a vehicle executes braking force distribution (BFD) biased to the front wheels, taking into account auxiliary braking control such as braking assist control (BAS) executed when an abrupt or full braking action is performed by the driver. In BFD control a braking force on the rear wheels is held at a holding braking force and a braking force on the front wheels is incremented beyond a braking force requested by a braking action of the driver. After the starting of BFD control, further increase in the braking action is reflected in the braking force of the front wheels. When auxiliary braking control is executed, the holding braking force on the rear wheels and the increment of the braking force on the front wheels are determined based upon a demand of the auxiliary braking action as well as the braking action amount by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiaki Hamada, Akifumi Doura
  • Patent number: 7200479
    Abstract: A method of guiding a multitrack vehicle on a curved path which is defined by the vehicle driver by way of a set steering angle or the like, a curved-path signal representing this desired curved path being guided in a form appropriately revised by an electronic control unit to a steering actuator influencing the steering angle of at least one steerable vehicle wheel is provided. The curved-path signal formed of the set steering angle and of the vehicle speed and, in particular, representing the yaw rate can be used in the sense of a pilot control not only for the appropriate controlling of the steering actuator but also for the appropriate change of the longitudinal force at the wheels of at least one vehicle side, so that, in addition to or instead of the setting of the steering angle, in addition or by itself, a longitudinal force can be applied to at least one vehicle wheel in order to travel the desired curved path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hendrikus Smakman, Ottmar-Ralf Orend
  • Patent number: 7165820
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method and system for providing brake control, autobrake and antiskid brake functionality by recognizing that the only difference between the three functions is the amount of deceleration they allow. Unlike a conventional system where the pedals represent brake pressure, the present invention interprets pedal commands as desired deceleration. The method and system involve controlling acceleration of a wheel reference speed and setting a desired slip based on autobrake settings, pedal positions, and various parameters. A proportional/integral/derivative algorithm controls wheel speed and is monitored for normal operation. Abnormal operation generates control parameters which are used to alter the wheel reference speed and its deceleration. Additionally, vehicles using the invention will benefit from improved yaw stability, even brake temperatures and differential braking during antiskid operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Edward Rudd, III
  • Patent number: 7142970
    Abstract: In a vehicular brake force control apparatus, an engine brake force Feb is calculated; a road surface friction coefficient ? and a rear wheel degree of grip ?r is calculated; and a threshold value Ke is calculated such that the threshold value Ke increases as the road surface friction coefficient ? becomes smaller. When the rear wheel degree of grip ?r is smaller than the threshold value Ke, it is determined that vehicle behavior of a vehicle is liable to become unstable when the engine brake force Feb acts. In this case, a sum of the engine brake force Feb and a target friction brake force Fbv based upon a steering operation amount of a driver is distributed to each wheel in accordance with a distribution that stabilizes the vehicle behavior of the vehicle. Based on this distribution result, a friction brake force and an output torque of the engine are controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shoji Inagaki, Kenji Asano
  • Patent number: 7136737
    Abstract: A coordinated brake control system is for a hybrid brake system including a regenerative brake unit and a friction brake unit for a vehicle and is arranged to generate a total braking torque which is a combination of a regenerative braking torque generated by the regenerative brake unit and a friction braking torque generated by the friction brake unit, so as to bring the total braking-torque closer to a target braking torque, and to limit a rate of change of the regenerative braking torque according to a response delay of the friction braking torque when a first distribution ratio of the generative braking torque relative to the total braking torque is decreased and when a second distribution ratio of the friction braking torque relative to the total braking torque is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ashizawa, Kazuhiko Tazoe, Hideo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7110873
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method and system for providing brake control, autobrake and antiskid brake functionality by recognizing that the only difference between the three functions is the amount of deceleration they allow. Unlike a conventional system where the pedals represent brake pressure, the present invention interprets pedal commands as desired deceleration. The method and system involve controlling acceleration of a wheel reference speed and setting a desired slip based on autobrake settings, pedal positions, and various parameters. A proportional/integral/derivative algorithm controls wheel speed and is monitored for normal operation. Abnormal operation generates control parameters which are used to alter the wheel reference speed and its deceleration. Additionally, vehicles using the invention will benefit from improved yaw stability, even brake temperatures and differential braking during antiskid operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Edward Rudd, III