Patent Application
20110175438
The present disclosure relates to methods of line-locking hydraulic braking systems and braking systems for accomplishing the same.
Conventional vehicle braking systems include hydraulic and electric systems. Each system provides different performance characteristics. Generally speaking, hydraulic systems are more widely implemented and are less complex, less expensive braking systems. There are contemporary hydraulic systems that are supplemented with electronic components to provide anti-lock braking and traction control.
Some vehicles, e.g., “muscle cars,” manipulate a vehicle's braking system to improve tire traction at vehicle launch. To ensure maximum tire grip at take-off, a driver can conduct a “burn-out” in a water box to heat up the rear tires just prior to launch. With many conventional vehicles, in order to conduct a controlled burnout, a driver needs to manipulate the service brake system to allow the rear wheels to spin freely while the front brakes are applied. In some cases, the burn-out is achieved by the driver manipulating the throttle, brake and clutch. This is not a user-friendly delivery system, however, as it requires the driver to synchronize inputting various commands into the vehicle simultaneously. Moreover, if the vehicle is not in the best condition for burn-out, e.g., the wheels are slightly turned, it can be difficult for the driver to detect this.
Alternatively, a vehicle owner can install an aftermarket system that will allow the driver to keep the front brakes applied while the rear brakes are released; after the driver releases the brake pedal a much more controlled burn-out can be accomplished. Such aftermarket systems are inferior to a system incorporated with original vehicle equipment for various reasons. For example, aftermarket systems can have reliability issues, are usually purely mechanical systems having no electric or automated controls which can also be less user-friendly, they are not repeatable and they do not perform preferred preliminary system checks that can increase the performance of the braking system before, during and/or after burn-out.
There are completely electric braking systems that can be incorporated into the vehicle which control the distribution of power between the front and rear braking systems. For example, U.S. Patent Application No. 2008/0015761 titled “Electric Braking Device for Vehicles” discloses a purely electric braking system that includes an on-board computer and control module which controls the power supply to the braking modules. Since this system utilizes electric brakes the system is more complex and more expensive than systems having hydraulic brakes. Moreover, the control logic disclosed in the '761 Application is not tailored to a line-locking function but is tailored toward mitigating detected degradations in the operating modes of the brakes to reduce the overall power consumption of a vehicle. The disclosed braking device would not accommodate a vehicle line-locking braking system.
Therefore, it is desirable to have a method of line-locking a hydraulic vehicle braking system and a braking system for accomplishing the same that is more user-friendly. It is further desirable to have a system that performs preliminary system checks to improve vehicle performance before, during and/or after burn-out. A feature is needed that will utilize the original vehicle equipment to provide a burn-out feature that is controlled and repeatable for the driver without the need of adding any additional content.
The present invention may address one or more of the above-mentioned issues. Other features and/or advantages may become apparent from the description which follows.
Certain embodiments of the present invention include a computer-implemented method of line-locking a hydraulic vehicle braking system. The method includes the steps of receiving an electric signal through a user interface to a control module; performing a preliminary system check; and controlling the distribution of fluid between a hydraulic module and two sets of vehicle brakes when the preliminary check is satisfied.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention include a vehicle braking system, having: a first hydraulic brake module; a second hydraulic brake module; a hydraulic module configured to provide fluid to the first and second brake modules; a valve system between the hydraulic module and the first and second brake modules, configured to disconnect the hydraulic module from the first and/or second set of hydraulic brake modules; and an electric control module configured to control the valve system.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention involves a vehicle configured to line-lock. The vehicle includes: a user interface; an electric control module linked to the user interface and configured to receive a signal from the user interface for activation of a line-locking mode of operation; a first hydraulic brake; a second hydraulic brake; a hydraulic module configured to provide fluid to the first and second brakes; and a valve system between the hydraulic module and the first and second brakes, configured to disconnect the hydraulic module from the first and/or second set of hydraulic brakes. The control module is configured to control the valve system.
The present teachings provide a method that will allow the driver to apply the vehicle brake system in such a manner to allow a controlled burn-out utilizing the vehicles electronically controlled hydraulic brake system.
One advantage of the disclosed burn-out or line-locking feature is that it utilizes standard equipment already found on vehicles. There is no need for an owner to purchase an aftermarket add-on system.
The disclosed line-locking feature utilizes failsafe criteria so that the system can only be activated in a controlled manner. Moreover, the disclosed features constantly monitor key vehicle parameters and conditions once activated to ensure the driver maintains control and mechanical/electronic malfunctions are accounted for.
Another advantage of the disclosed teachings is that they enable original equipment manufactures to coupe additional revenue by providing a feature that customers currently purchase from aftermarket suppliers. Customers also enjoy additional benefits as a factory warranty can apply to the line-locking braking features.
Yet another advantage of the disclosed braking systems is that they can be incorporated into the vehicle providing a user or driver interface. The interface is integrated into the vehicle versus having to make modifications to the vehicle for aftermarket systems.
An additional advantage to the disclosed line locking system is that it is based on electronic control which provides very repeatable and controlled burn-outs versus an add-on system that can have significant variability.
In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments will become evident. It should be understood that the invention, in its broadest sense, could be practiced without having one or more features of these aspects and embodiments. It should be understood that these aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention.
The invention will be explained in greater detail below by way of example with reference to the figures, in which the same references numbers are used in the figures for identical or essentially identical elements. The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. In the figures:
Although the following detailed description makes reference to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the claimed subject matter be viewed broadly.
Referring to the drawings,
The present teachings provide a method that will allow the driver to apply the vehicle's brake system in a manner to allow a controlled burn-out, utilizing the vehicles electronically controlled hydraulic brake system. In the illustrated exemplary embodiments, a vehicle electronic brake system includes an electronic module which is attached to a hydraulic brake valve block. Each individual wheel braking circuit is controlled via the electronic module and manipulated by the hydraulic valve block. The electronic module has the capability to provide brake pressure, remove brake pressure and hold brake pressure to individual wheels.
Referring now to
The shown vehicle 10 has a braking system that includes hydraulic braking modules that are linked to a valve system (as discussed with respect to
The vehicle includes a message center 50 with a user interface 60 for the driver, as shown in
User interface 60, shown in
User interface 60 is configured to receive and output audio commands as well. User interface 60 includes a microphone linked to the control module. Control module is configured with voice recognition software. User interface 60 is configured to, for example, restart the operating sequence for line locking upon receiving a “reset” audio command. The user interface 60 is also configured to abandon the line-locking braking sequence by receiving the escape command. The “escape” audio command interrupts the operating sequence of the control module when the braking system is operating in line-locking mode.
In the embodiment illustrated in
Referring now to
A valve system 280 is positioned between the hydraulic modules 260, 270 and the brake modules 220, 230 and 240, 250 respectively as shown in
An electric control module 330 is also included in the braking system 200 shown in
The electric control module 330 is linked to a user interface 60, for example, as shown in
Referring now to
As shown in
The system check logic 370 is configured to assess whether a predetermined time limit has been exceeded. A timer 390 is linked to the control module 330. Initiating the operating sequence for the line-locking braking feature starts the timer 390. The control module 330 is configured to at least partially turn the valve system 280 off when the predetermined time limit has been exceeded. In one embodiment, the timer 390 is set to 30 seconds from activation of the line locking system. In another exemplary embodiment, the timer 390 is set to 180 seconds from activation of the line locking system.
The system check logic 370 is configured to assess a steering wheel position. The steering wheel column includes a position sensor 400 in communication with control module 330. In one embodiment, the control module 330 is configured to at least partially turn the valve system 280 off when the steering wheel position is less than or greater than a predetermined angular range. For example, if the steering wheel is turned more than 3 degrees from a longitudinal axis of the vehicle the control module can abort the line-locking operating sequence and deactivate the valve on the rear brakes 350.
The system check logic 370, as shown in
Any number of sensors can be linked to the control module 330 for use with the line locking braking system 200. “X_Sensor” 420 is a sensor representing any number of exemplary sensors that can be included in the system 200. For example, in the shown embodiment the vehicle braking system 200 includes system check logic 370 configured to assess whether a vehicle service brake is applied. A sensor, such as X_Sensor 420, is included in the transmission to determine if the service brake or park pawl is applied. The control module 330 is configured to at least partially turn the valve system 280 off when the vehicle service brake is applied. Other sensors, such as brake fluid viscosity sensors, wheel speed sensors, brake fluid level monitors and other devices can be utilized with the line locking braking system 200.
Though the links shown between system components are described in terms of hardwired connections, any one of the components can be wirelessly linked to the control module. Bluetooth technology, configured to enable short-range communication between electronic devices, is utilized to enable the components to communicate with the control module wirelessly. Other wireless standards or technologies can be used with the braking system such as infrared systems, RF systems, IEEE standard 802.11 and other communications platforms.
Referring now to
At step 510, as shown in
At step 560 as shown in
Algorithm also checks the vehicle speed at steps 620 and 630. At step 630 the control module checks the vehicle odometer. If the vehicle speed is in excess of a predetermined amount the line lock feature is cancelled and the system proceeds to step 600. A signal is sent to the message center indicating that the line lock is off 610. If the vehicle speed is zero the operating sequence continues to another system check. At step 640 the control module checks to see whether a predetermined user command is received; the module checks to see if the ignition key has been cycled. If the ignition has been cycled valves to the rear braking modules are turned off and the line lock feature is cancelled 600. A signal is sent to the message center indicating that the line lock is off 610.
At step 650, as shown in
To activate the line locking feature the driver presses the escape switch as shown at step 680 in
Control module can be configured to include a greater or fewer number of preliminary system checks before activating the line locking feature. The exemplary preliminary system checks are designed to improve the performance of the vehicle before, during or after launch. Other preliminary system checks can be programmed into the control module or added to the braking system and be within the scope of the present invention.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the methodologies of the present invention without departing from the scope its teachings. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the teachings disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.
While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.
