Adaptive deceleration control for commercial truck

摘要

A position sensor (20) associated with a brake pedal (22) discloses deceleration request data corresponding to a vehicle deceleration request by the driver. A processor (12) executes an algorithm that compares sensor deceleration request data with data representing deceleration that is potentially obtainable by operating one or more mechanisms in the powertrain such as an exhaust brake or an engine brake. Operation of the one or more mechanisms is requested when the comparison discloses that operation of such mechanisms can satisfy the request, thereby precluding the need to apply foundation brakes. Pedal depression beyond a range within which the mechanisms are potentially capable by themselves of satisfying the request, causes foundation brake application so that a fault that does not result in braking by the mechanisms will cause the foundation brakes to be applied when the driver, sensing lack of braking, depresses the pedal further.