Brake temperature based speed-controlling
AssigneeTesla, Inc.
InventorsAnand Swaminathan, Justin Sill, Christopher Satkoski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A speed-controlling process limits the speed of a vehicle to make sure brakes can slow down the vehicle without overheating. The speed-controlling process includes estimating a current temperature of at least one brake. The speed-controlling process then calculates a speed limit of the vehicle, for example at which the brake would not exceed a maximum temperature when applied to slow down the vehicle to a stop. The speed-controlling process can limit the vehicle at or below the speed limit by setting a motor torque limit.
Claims20
A method for controlling a speed of a vehicle based on braking capability, comprising:
- estimating a current temperature of a brake of the vehicle, the brake having a maximum operating temperature;
- determining a thermal margin for the brake,
- determining a speed limit for the vehicle, the speed limit being based at least in part on the thermal margin;
- and
- applying the speed limit to control the speed of the vehicle.
A system for controlling a speed of a vehicle based on braking capability, comprising:
- a processor configured to:
- estimate a current temperature of the brake of the vehicle, the brake having a maximum operating temperature;
- determine a thermal margin for the brake;
- determine a speed limit for the vehicle, the speed limit being based at least in part on the thermal margin;
- and
- apply the speed limit to control the speed of the vehicle.
A method for controlling a speed of a vehicle based on braking capability, comprising:
- estimating a current temperature of a brake of the vehicle, the brake having a maximum operating temperature;
- determining a thermal margin for the brake;
- determining a torque limit for a motor of the vehicle, the torque limit being based at least in part on the thermal margin;
- and
- applying the torque limit to limit the speed of the motor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.