TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS A SEMINAR REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULLFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (MECHATRONICS) By SRINIVAS PAREEK (08261A1460) DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (MECHATRONICS) MAHATMA GANDHI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 1
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TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS
A SEMINAR REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULLFILLMENT OF
THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (MECHATRONICS)
By
SRINIVAS PAREEK
(08261A1460)
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (MECHATRONICS)
MAHATMA GANDHI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad)
Accredited by National Board of Accreditation, New Delhi
Gandipet, Hyderabad-500075(A.P.)
www.mgit.ac.in
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Sl. No. Title Page No.
1. Abstract 03
2. Introduction 04
3. History 05
4. Literature survey 06
5. Block diagram of traction control system (TRAC) 07
6. Working of traction control system 09
7. Case studies 10
8. Scope 11
9. Summary of review 13
10. TRAC system components of Toyota supra mark
IV
15
11. TRAC wheel speed control 17
12. Benefits of traction control 18
13. Applications 21
14. Safest Traction Control Cars 23
15. Conclusion 25
16. References 26
2
ABSTRACT:
Car accidents dominate the transportation industry in regards to the number
of deaths that occur on the road, accounting for 94 percent. With over half a
million car wrecks every year, safety aspects, such as traction control, are
being constantly developed to keep drivers safer. By understanding modern-
day safety features, drivers can stay well-informed of potential aftermarket
options for their vehicles to keep them safe. Traction Control Systems is the
modern day solution to the problems such as unnecessary skids power loss
due to less traction and railway track traction control. Whilst the old methods
such as limited slip differentials are getting inefficient to handle the critical
driving situations, need for a more advanced traction control system arises
and henceforth comes into picture the Electronic Traction Control System or
the TRAC System.
This paper puts light to the modern Traction Control system basics,
working, benefits and applications while appreciating the history of the
traction control systems and present world utilizations.
3
INTRODUCTION:
Traction refers to the maximum frictional force that can be produced
between surfaces without slipping. In auto mobiles traction is responsible for
the movement of vehicle. In the design of wheeled or tracked vehicles, high
traction between wheel and ground is more desirable than low traction, as it
allows for more energetic acceleration without wheel slippage.
Traction control is a technology designed to help your vehicle
maintain traction, no matter how slippery the road surface. Technically, it is
a mechanical, hydraulic, or electric system that maintains or controls traction
to any wheels driven by the engine. Unlike mechanical traction control
systems of the past such as limited slip differentials, today’s systems are
nearly all computer-controlled as they actively watch wheel slip. An option
formerly reserved for performance, you can find traction control on all types
of vehicles today.
The purpose of the Traction Control System is to prevent wheel spin
from occurring due to acceleration. The maximum torque that can be
transmitted to the wheels is determined by the coefficient of friction
generated between the road and the tires. If torque exceeds that level, the
wheels are likely to spin. Conditions for Traction operation may include
slippery road surfaces, acceleration while cornering and hard acceleration.
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The basic idea behind the need of a traction control system is the
difference between the slips of different wheels or an apparent loss of road
grip that may result in loss of steering control over the vehicle which leads to
slipping of the vehicle and loss of power which results in uncontrolled
cruising. Difference in slip may occur due to turning of a vehicle or
differently varying road conditions for different wheels. And thus need to be
controlled for a safer way to cruise.
HISTORY:
Traction has always been the Achilles Heel of any vehicle. A perfectly
capable car or truck becomes completely useless when stuck in sand, mud, or
snow. Early in the development of the modern motor vehicle, engineers
realized that 4-wheel drive (4WD) was one answer. By sending engine
power to all four wheels, at least one wheel would have enough grip to pull
the vehicle through. It was a brilliant discovery, but 4WD meant that the
vehicle would have to carry extra weight, complexity, and suffer the
increased fuel consumption associated with the 4WD drive train, even when
it was not in use.
Traction control system uses a form of technology designed for
aircraft in the 1950s called anti-lock brakes, or ABS. Aircraft engineers
developed a system of mechanical sensors to measure and detect when a
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wheel was skidding and hydraulically release the braking force on that
wheel. With an ABS system, an aircraft could apply brake with maximum
stopping power without skidding, regardless of weather conditions. With
further development, automotive engineers realized they could “reverse” the
operation of the ABS to build an effective traction control system using the
same sensors.
One hundred years after the development of the automobile,
microcomputer technology has finally solved the traction puzzle. In 1987,
the earliest innovators of automotive vehicles, Mercedes-Benz and BMW,
introduced their first traction control systems. Traction Control was first
introduced on the 1994 Turbo Supra and expanded to include the six cylinder
Camry and Avalon models in 1997.
Recently in the motorsport sector traction control system is given a red
flag by International Automobile Federation as it banned use of traction
control in races effective from 2008. Apart from that when it comes to
performance and safety, Traction control system dominates the world
automobile sector.
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LITERATURE SURVEY:
BLOCK DIAGRAM OF TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
(TRAC):
7
WORKING OF TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM:
A simple input output process block diagram is given in figure 1 and
various inputs are shown on the left side. The process control unit is
represented in the middle part if the figure. Right side blocks of the diagram
shows the various controlled outputs for the TRAC system.
The main inputs for a TRAC system are wheel speed sensors, battery
level sensor, TRAC OFF switch, stop light switch, and the throttle position
sensor. These inputs give speed signal, remaining battery signal, OFF signal,
stop signal and throttle level signal respectively.
The processing part consists of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) or
a TRAC Electronic Control Unit (TRAC ECU) and an Engine Control
Modulator (ECM). The TRAC ECU will have an interconnection with ECM
in order to communicate to the engine throttle position control. These
processing units process and analyze the input signals and take necessary
output actions if required.
The controlled outputs of a TRAC system are solenoids actuator,
pump motor actuator, slip indicator light, TRAC OFF light, ABS warning
light, injectors control, and solenoid valve actuator.
The control action can consist of one or more actions such as reducing
or suppress the spark to one or more cylinders, reducing fuel supply to one
or more cylinders, brake one or more wheels, close the throttle where vehicle
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is fitted with ECM controlled throttle, and the boost control solenoid can be
actuated to reduce boost and therefore engine power. The controlled action
of the one or more of the above outputs can help in traction control of the
vehicle resulting in a slip proof cruising of the vehicle irrespective of the
external weather conditions.
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FACTS:
1. The predecessor of modern electronic traction control systems can be
found in high-torque, high-power rear-wheel drive cars as a limited
slip differential. Limited slip differential is a purely mechanical
system that transfers a relatively small amount of power to the non-
slipping wheel, but it still allows some wheel spin to occur.
2. In 1971 the Buick division of GM introduced MaxTrac, which used an
early computer system to detect rear wheel spin and modulate engine
power to those wheels to provide the most traction. A Buick-exclusive
at the time, it was an option on all full-size models, including the
Riviera, Estate Wagon, Electra 225, Centurion, and popular LeSabre
family sedan.
3. Traction control for a production motorcycle was first available with
the Honda ST1100 in 1992. By 2009, traction control was an option
for several models offered by BMW and Ducati, and the model year
2010 Kawasaki Concours 14 (1400GTR).
4. Mitsubishi's modern Active Skid and Traction Control (ASTC) system
which was developed to help the driver maintain the intended path
through a corner, an onboard computer monitored several vehicle
operating parameters through the use of various sensors.
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5. In the design of wheeled or tracked vehicles, high traction between
wheel and ground is more desirable than low traction, as it allows for
more energetic acceleration including cornering and braking without
wheel slippage. One notable exception is in the motorsport technique
of drifting, in which rear-wheel traction is purposely lost during high
speed cornering.
SCOPE:
Spinning the tires not only makes the car harder to drive, but it also
causes higher tire temps and excessive tire wear. Lifting off the throttle or
counter steering to correct for this 5% mistake, not only upsets the rhythm, it
slows the car down. Typically, if a driver makes a 5% mistake with the
throttle, he/she has to correct 20-25% to fix it. But if the tire slip is detected
within one cylinder worth of crank rotation, as the Davis Technologies
systems do, then a small reduction in power can reduce or stop the tire slip.
The Non Self-Learning systems, such as Traction Maintenance
System (TMS), periodically compare the rate of acceleration of the
crankshaft to an Adjustable Fixed Rate (AFR), known as Threshold. If the
Engine RPM rate of change is in excess of that Threshold, then a correction
is made; therefore, reducing the slip.
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Basically, the TRAC system looks for spikes in RPM that are caused
by wheel slip. If these spikes are large enough, then a correction is made,
reducing the slip. By adjusting the Threshold, the driver can tune the system
to the desired "feel".
Self-Learning systems, such as our TMS-750-SL, TMS-5500-SL, and
TMS-9500-SL series, which were introduced by Davis Technologies, can
compare the rate of acceleration of the crankshaft to a calculated threshold
value that is constantly updated based on the average of the previous
measurements. This update occurs on every crankshaft revolution.
Through this very advanced control process, the system constantly
accounts for track conditions, tire condition, even driving style to constantly
update the internal settings. These settings are updated as many as 200 times
a second to keep the unit calibrated to exactly the right settings regardless of
changing conditions. This allows the system to adjust to the correct settings
even if one corner has more grip than another or one grooves to another.
The user does have an adjustment referred to as “Mode” that sets the
overall sensitivity of the system to make a correction based the extent of the
tire slip. By adjusting the Mode, the driver can tune the system to the
desired TRAC control level.
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The speed and learning capabilities of these systems is what makes the
best traction control on the market today. Allowing you to focus on chassis
set-up, and not be distracted by constantly having to adjust your traction
control settings, as with systems that work on a percentage of slip between
the front and rear wheels.
SUMMARY OF REVIEW:
Traction control helps limit tire slip in acceleration on slippery
surfaces. Powerful rear-drive cars from the sixties often had a primitive form
of traction control called a limited slip differential helping to reduce, but not
eliminate wheel spin. While limited-slip rear axles are still in use in many
front- and rear-drive vehicles today, the device can't completely eliminate
wheel slip. Hence, a more sophisticated system was needed.
Enter electronic traction control. In modern vehicles, traction-control
systems utilize the same wheel-speed sensors employed by the antilock
braking system. These sensors measure differences in rotational speed to
determine if the wheels that are receiving power have lost traction. When the
traction-control system determines that one wheel is spinning more quickly
than the others, it automatically applies brake to that wheel to reduce its
speed and lessen wheel slip. In most cases, individual wheel braking is
enough to control wheel slip. Therefore for drivers who routinely drive in
snowy and icy conditions, traction control is a must-have safety feature.
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TRAC SYSTEM COMPONENTS OF TOYOTA
SUPRA MARK IV:
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Fig 2
The Toyota Supra is a sports car that was produced by Toyota Motor
Company from 1979 to 2002. It introduced TRAC system in model “Supra
Mark IV” in the year 1994. It was most notable is the separate TRAC
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actuator and ABS actuator in 1993 till 1995. Engine torque is controlled via a
sub-throttle actuator which controls the sub-throttle ahead of the valve in the
throttle body.
The TRAC System reduces engine torque and rear wheel speed as
necessary to bring the vehicle under control. The ABS ECU, TRAC ECU and
ECM all work together to provide traction control. ABS speed sensors are
monitored by the TRAC ECU which in turn controls a sub-throttle plate and
applies the rear brakes. The ECM also retards engine timing while the ABS
modulates pressure at the rear brakes.
The supra TRAC system is represented in figure 2 of previous page.
The TRAC OFF switch is located on the instrument panel above the center
console. It allows the driver to activate or deactivate the TRAC system when
the switch is depressed. The system defaults to ON when the ignition switch
is cycled.
The Sub-Throttle Actuator uses a step motor located between the main
throttle valve and air cleaner. It is fitted on the throttle body and controls the
position of the sub-throttle valve based on commands made by the TRAC
ECU thus controlling the engine output.
Sub-Throttle Position sensor is fitted to the sub-throttle valve shaft. It
converts the sub-throttle valve opening angle to a voltage signal and sends
this signal to the TRAC ECU via the ECM (Engine ECU). The sensor is built
and operates in the same way as the main Throttle Position Sensor.
Apart from the above explained components all the remaining
operational components work in the same way that of explanation to the
block diagram of TRAC system
TRAC WHEEL SPEED CONTROL:
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Fig 3
Figure 3 shows a graph of wheel speed control against time taken to
control. It is basically representing the accuracy of the TRAC system for a
particular wheel speed control range.
When the accelerator pedal is depressed the main throttle opens
resulting in generation of more torque. If the TRAC system identifies
excessive torque than required causing one or more wheels to spin, then it
applies brake to those wheels in small amount. This braking action is
intermittent till the wheel speed is reduced to the desired range for safe
cruising.
We can observe the highs and lows in the graph representing
increased wheel speed and TRAC wheel speed controlling action
respectively. Finally it comes to the required speed range and TRAC system
stops controlling action and goes back to monitoring state.
BENEFITS OF TRACTION CONTROL:
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Traction control systems bring overall improvement in the braking
system of the car. Here are a few of the benefits:
1. Traction control brake systems are helpful in avoiding accidents over
low-traction road surfaces.
2. The system assists in maintaining control over the car during sudden
twists and sharp turns on the road.
3. Slippage of the wheels during aggressive braking is prevented
avoiding accidents.
4. A reduction in stopping distances after the brakes are applied can help
in traffic.
5. TRAC system maintains directional control after breaking and reduces
skidding.
6. Traction control is beneficial when roads are wet and icy as it helps in
accelerate from a stop.
7. Traction control is helpful when you're driving a powerful car as it
regulates the power to the tires, keeping the car on the path you set.
8. Wheels cannot lock up suddenly as the grooving is avoided by ABS
system control.
9. In case of huge truck applications TRAC system can help in
accelerating as well as stopping efficiently.
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10. When accelerating, it gives you more traction because when you
accelerate, more weight shifts towards the rear.
11. By applying pressure to the slipping wheel, power is sent to the drive
wheel with the most gripping.
DISADVANTAGES:
Here are some reasons that car shoppers may be a little shy about getting into
a ride enhanced with traction control.
Cost of purchase. The high-functioning gear that's involved in
traction control can make a car an increasingly expensive purchase.
Those looking to save money on a vehicle may be looking for older
models that were cheaper to make.
Cost of maintenance. A vast range of things can damage traction
control or anti-lock brake sensors, and with each of these carrying a
hefty price tag, the cost of repairs can easily spin out of control. Those
with past experience paying for a damaged anti-lock brake system
may have a big aversion to getting even more in additional safety
features loaded into a vehicle.
Limited use. Traction control systems are not ideal for all kinds of
situations. Many experts claim drivers are better off with four wheel
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drive options for off-road use. Off-road use can also cause damages to
the traction control system.
APPLICATIONS:
There are many sectors in which Traction control system finds itself
useful. Here are few practical applications of TRAC System:
1. In road cars: Traction control has traditionally been a safety feature in
high-performance cars, which would otherwise need very sensitive
throttle input to keep them from spinning the driven wheels when
accelerating, especially in wet, icy or snowy conditions. In recent
years, traction control systems have become widely available in non-
performance cars, minivans, and light trucks.
2. In race cars: Traction control is used as a performance enhancement,
allowing maximum traction under acceleration without wheel spin.
When accelerating out of turn, it keeps the tires at the optimum slip
ratio.
3. In motorcycles: Traction control for a production motorcycle was first
available with the Honda ST1100 in 1992. By 2009, traction control
was an option for several models offered by BMW and Ducati, and the
model year 2010 Kawasaki Concours.
4. In off road vehicles: Traction control is used instead or in addition to
the mechanical limited slip differential. It is often implemented with
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an electronic limited slip differential as well as other computerized
control of the engine and transmission. Generally used in railway track
traction control systems.
5. Traction control is not just used for improving acceleration under
slippery conditions. It can also help a driver to corner more safely. If
too much throttle is applied during cornering, the drive wheels will
lose traction and slide sideways. This will be avoided by TRAC
system and helps the driver in cornering.
The 5 Safest Traction Control Cars
Although there are many vehicles that come with traction control, it's
important for you to know which traction control vehicles rank high in terms
of safety.
Chevy Malibu. This vehicle is available in four trims. It's given an
excellent rating for government safety and reliability tests and has a
four star rating for rollover incidents. Some of the safety features
offered for this model include tire-pressure monitoring, traction
control, airbags and an OnStar safety system
Buick LaCrosse. This vehicle has been given the highest score in
government crash tests. Traction control and stability are standard
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features on all trims. The vehicle also features a limited time
subscription to the OnStar safety system
Volvo C30. The Volvo C30 features a stability traction control
system, whiplash protection system and front and side airbags. Buyers
also have the option to add a blind spot information system or a rear
parking assist
Ford F-150. This vehicle can be programmed to limit its speed. It has
several safety features such as rollover resistance, electronic stability
control and side curtain airbags
Hyundai Genesis. The Hyundai Genesis features airbags, active front
head restraints, anti lock disc brakes and traction control. The vehicle
also does exceptionally well in government crash safety tests
Although price is often a determining factor when selecting a new
vehicle, it's equally important to choose a vehicle that safe. Vehicles
that are equipped with the latest safety features are also likely to have
lower insurance premiums.
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CONCLUSION:
The basic idea behind the need of a traction control system is the difference
between traction of different wheels evidencing apparent loss of road grip
that compromise steering control and stability of vehicles. Difference in slip
may occur due to turning of a vehicle or differently varying road conditions
for different wheels. At high speeds, when a car tends to turn, its outer and
inner wheels are subjected to different speed of rotation, that is
conventionally controlled by using a differential. A further enhancement of
the differential is to employ an active differential that can vary the amount of
power being delivered to outer and inner wheels according to the need (for
example, if, while turning right, outward slip (equivalently saying, 'yaw') is
sensed, active differential may deliver more power to the outer wheel, so as
to minimize the yaw (that is basically the degree to which the front and rear
wheels of a car are out of line.) Active-differential, in turn, is controlled by
an assembly of electromechanical sensors collaborating with a traction
control unit.
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REFERENCE:
1. “Mechanical Wear Fundamentals and Testing” – Dr. Raymond Bayer,
CRC Press.
2. “Theory of ground vehicles” - Prof. Jo Yung Wong, Carleton
University, Canada.
3. “Traction Control and other electronic trickery” – Prof. Andrew