Application of Fluidics Technology to the Development of Antilock Brakes for Motorcycles

This work was undertaken to develop antilock brakes for motorcycles utilizing the advantages of fluidics technology. Fluidic components are immune to electromagnetic interference, resistant to severe vibration, and potentially low in cost. The vehicle and brake control components were modeled. Using a system approach to the design, a nonlinear computer analysis was performed to determine acceptable delays and frequency functions for rapid and stable response. Emphasis was given to examining the transient characteristics of two functions of angular motion (acceleration and jerk) at the onset of wheel lock. Based on results of computer analyses and instrumented braking tests, angular acceleration was selected to initiate brake control. The control system components being developed are comprised of a unique pneumatic/fluidic velocimeter, a fluidic differentiation circuit, a fluidic amplifier, and a fluidic/electric threshold detector for toggle control of brake pressure. The development status of these components is discussed. The brake- pressure modulator is not being developed for this phase of the work. Results indicate a fluidic control system is feasible if the design focuses on minimizing the time response of the pneumatic/fluidic components.