Future driver assistance systems will not only monitor the current traffic situation, but actively assist the driver in emergencies. Autonomous intervention in vehicle dynamics will increasingly help keep the vehicle under control, even in difficult operating situations. A rapid and intelligent braking system is one of the foundations for advancing the next generation of driver assistance systems. Siemens VDO sees its electronic wedge brake (EWB) brake-by-wire technology as the answer to future vehicle chassis safety, weight, reliability, and space requirements.
In early 2005, Siemens VDO Automotive AG acquired the innovative company eStop to enter the automotive brake market with the EWB. The EWB is a self-reinforcing electromechanical wedge brake, which operates around the point of maximum self-reinforcement, in order to minimize actuation forces to levels that can be supported by 12V vehicle electrical systems. Previous papers published by eStop addressed the basic design, modeling and control aspects of this concept. This paper focuses on the progress with the latest prototype and some basic test results from this prototype, robustness testing, vehicle implementation and development of higher level brake functions.
