The mechatronic vehicle corner of Dramstadt University of Technology~Interaction and cooperation of a sensor tire, new low-energy disc brake and smart wheel suspension 2000-05-0191

Future on-board vehicle control systems can be further improved through new types of mechatronic systems. In particular, these systems'' capacities for interaction enhance safety, comfort and economic viability. The Automotive Engineering Department (fzd) of Darmstadt University of Technology is engaged in research of the mechatronic vehicle corner, which consists of three subsystems: sensor tire, electrically actuated wheel brake and smart suspension. By intercommunication of these three systems, the brake controller receives direct, fast and permanent information about dynamic events in the tire contact area provided by the tire sensor as valuable control input. This allows to control operation conditions of each wheel brake. The information provided by the tire sensor for example helps to distinguish between straightline driving and cornering as well as to determine μ-split conditions. In conjunction with current information of dynamic wheel loads, tire pressures and friction tire/road, the ideal brake force distribution can be achieved. Alike through integration of adaptive suspension bushing, elastokinematic behavior and wheel positions can be adapted to maneuver-oriented requirements.