An Analytical Approach to Antilock Brake System Design

An analytical method applicable to design and development of antilock brake systems is described. Dynamic components of antilock systems --- including vehicle, sensor, and modulator--are examined using nonlinear feedback control techniques. An overall design approach is illustrated via an example involving a motorcycle front brake and typical pneumatic modulator. A computer simulation is used to generate time and frequency responses of system components. These data are used to identify the preferred feedback structure. Results show that a stable antilock limit cycle can exist for wheel angular acceleration feedback, among other possibilities. Overall the method and results can provide additional insight into detailed requirements for antilock components and systems, and may hold potential for reducing development time and costs.