A Study on the Clamping Force Estimation and Failsafe Control Algorithm Design of the Electronic Wedge Brake System

Abstract

: The EWB(electronic wedge brake) is one in which the braking force is developed in a wedge and caliper system and applied to a disk and wedge mechanism. The advantage of the wedge structure is that it produces self-reinforcing effect and hence, utilizes minimal motor power, resulting in reduced gear and current. The extent of use of clamping force sensors and protection from failure of the EWB system directly depends on the level of vehicle mass production. This study investigated the mathematical equations, simulation modeling, and failsafe control algorithm for the clamping force sensor of the EWB and validated the simulations. As this EWB system modeling can be applied to motor inductance, resistance, screw inertia, stiffness, and wedge mass and angle, this study could improve the accuracy of simulation of the EWB. The simulation results demonstrated the braking force, motor speed, and current of the EWB system when the driver desired to the step and pulse the brake force inputs. Moreover, this paper demonstrated that the proposed failsafe control algorithm accurately detects faults in the clamping force sensor, if any.