10-14
2) Basic Theory of ABS Function
To give you a better understanding of the tasks and functions of ABS, we will first look at the physics
principles.
(1) Stopping distance
(2) Brake force on a wheel
The maximum possible brake force on a wheel depends on the wheel load and the adhesion coefficient
between tire and carriageway. With a low adhesion coefficient the brake force, which can be obtained is
very low. You are bound to know the result already from driving on winter roads. With a high adhesion
coefficient on a dry road, the brake force, which can be obtained, is considerably higher. The brake
force, which can be obtained, can be calculated from below formula:
Maximum brake force ▶
FBmax = wheel load FR x coefficient of
frictionMh
The braking process cannot be described
sufficiently accurately with the brake forces
calculated. The values calculated only apply if
the wheel is not locked. In the case of a locking
wheel, the static friction turns into lower sliding
friction, with the result that the stopping distance
is increased. This loss of friction is termed "slip"
in specialist literature.
The stopping distance depends on the vehicle weight and initial speed when braking starts. This also
applies for vehicle with ABS, where ABS always tries to set an optimum brake force on each wheel. As
great forces are exerted between the tires and the carriageway when braking, even with ABS the wheels
may scream and rubber is left on the road. With an ABS skid mark one may be able to clearly recognize
the tire profile. The skid mark of an ABS vehicle does not however leave any hint of the speed of the
vehicle in the case of an accident, as it can only be clearly drawn at the start of braking.
11-10
3. FUNCTION
1) Term Definition
ABS: Anti-Lock Brake System ▶
When the brake pedal is abruptly depressed, the HECU calculates the slip ratio of each wheel based on
information received from the wheel speed sensors and controls the hydraulic module data quickly and
precisely in order to maintain the friction between the road surface and tire optimal (static friction).
Therefore, by keeping the friction between the road surface and tire optimal, it is possible to obtain
following effects: Enhanced steering stability, improved direction stability, reduced stopping distance and
etc.
EBD: Electronic brake-Force Distribution ▶
This is to detect the tire speed from the wheel speed sensor in order to supply the braking pressure to
the rear tires individually. In other words, the HECU measures the tire deceleration speed continuously
and controls the rear inlet valve on the hydraulic modulator to obtain optimal braking force as much as
possible. Thereby, stopping distance, braking effect and straight stability are improved.
ESP: Electronic Stability Program ▶
This is used to make the vehicle stabilized to recognize the emergency driving conditions, and to control
the brake for each wheels and the engine power when the brake system or acceleration will not work
any more in dangerous circumstances.
TCS: Traction Control System ▶
When the wheel is slipping due to an excessive engine torque while starting off or driving, this controls
the driving force (braking force + engine torque) in order to prevent the wheel from slipping through the
engine or brake control.
AYC: Active Yaw Control ▶
This has been developed to help a driver avoid danger of losing control of the vehicle stability due to
understeer or oversteer during cornering, which is a part of the ESP function.
HBA: Hydraulic Brake Assistant ▶
Developed based on the fact that elderly drivers depress the brake pedal too soft even when hard
braking is necessary, this an assist system to operate the HECU drive motor immediately and apply high
braking force to the wheels when the brake pedal is depressed softly and the vehicle should be braked
in emergency.
ARP: Active Rollover Protection ▶
This is a supplementary device for safety in ESP system and can help minimize the rollover accidents by
detecting a potential rollover situation through the brake and engine control when making sudden lane
change or turning sharply by adding only the software, without any separate device or switch.
