In future new sensor-based concepts will warn the driver in the event of imminent loss of friction and control.
With the predictive aquaplaning risk recognition the risk of aquaplaning becomes predictable and manageable. The objective is to detect a potential front-wheel floating situation as soon as possible in order to trigger an early warning to the driver. Utilizing signals from the surround view cameras mounted in the side mirrors, the grill, and rear, as well as the tire-mounted eTIS (electronic-Tire Information System) sensors, an early warning concerning the imminent aquaplaning situation is provided to the driver.
The accelerometer signal from the electronic-Tire Information System is used to identify a specific signal pattern. A tire model processes the incoming radial acceleration of the part of the tire that is in contact with the road. For wet roads – when enough water is transported out of the tread to ensure an appropriate grip – the signal shows a distinct pattern. As soon as a wedge of water begins to form in front of the tire footprint region and there is excessive water on the road, the acceleration signal begins to oscillate in a characteristic way, indicating an early risk of aquaplaning. Since the eTIS sensor can also detect the remaining depth of the tire tread, a safe speed for a given wet road condition can be calculated and communicated to the driver.
Aquaplaning conditions can also occur unexpectedly with no opportunity for advance warning. In such cases, the potential risk to other vehicles on the road can be mitigated by early communication via V2X technology and eHorizon, facilitating a network of solidarity where one vehicle acts as a safety sensor for all other vehicles and not just those in its direct vicinity. eHorizon can provide this information to vehicles that could potentially be affected, so they are able to adjust their driving functions to the aquaplaning conditions.
Testing has shown that future aquaplaning assistance will also have the potential to intervene in an actual aquaplaning situation by applying the rear brakes in a controlled way to establish a degree of “torque vectoring” in order to maintain vehicle maneuverability within physical limits.