Dear fellow car enthusiasts, what is the directional stability of a car? There is such a phenomenon, and now we will consider exactly what the vsc exchange rate stability system is.
You and I know perfectly well that driving a car can be accompanied not only by pleasant experiences, but also by unforeseen situations, the result of which, at best, is an expensive car repair.
Of course, you say, a lot depends on the gasket between the steering wheel and the front seat - the driver, who sometimes does not ask this question “what is the road holding of the car?”
To prevent trouble, automakers, counting on amateur riders and blonde women, equip their offspring with all sorts of things, the vocation of which is to prevent emergency situations.
Let's consider one of these technologies, which effectively ensures that the cars go along the trajectory we have planned and do not present unpleasant surprises - drifts or something similar.
Vehicle directional stability what is it and how does it differ from dynamic stabilization
Don't be fooled by the Latin abbreviation following the well-known name of the technology. The fact is that the same device manufactured by different manufacturers of automotive equipment can have completely different names.
So, for example, the exchange rate stability system is well known as a dynamic stabilization system, and the abbreviations that designate it are generally countless - these are ESP, and ESC, and VSC, and VDC, and so on. Nevertheless, its essence and principle of operation depend little on the name, differences, of course, can be, but they are insignificant.
When does the VSC system work?
So why do we need a stability control system? As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, its main function is to save a given trajectory of the car. Imagine the situation: the end of autumn, the first frosts, you, having drowned the gas pedal, are driving along a road on which yesterday's puddles have already covered with a crust of ice. There is a small turn ahead, and you, without slowing down, enter it, when suddenly one of the driving wheels (let's imagine that you have a car with rear-wheel drive) hits the ice.
What will happen?
If the car is not equipped with VSC, then the consequences can be very sad - skidding, drifting off the trajectory, in a word, the horror of the driver. But if the car has a stability control system and it is activated, then in this case you won’t even notice anything, except that the vehicle will wag slightly astern. That's it.
Course stability: everything is under control
Well, now let's delve into the principle of operation and the device of the exchange rate stability system. It belongs to high-level technologies, which means that other systems and components of the car are under its control. The key elements of VSC are:
- a set of various sensors;
- electronic control unit;
- executive devices.
The state of the car is monitored by a scattering of various sensors, namely: a steering angle sensor, brake line pressure, longitudinal and lateral acceleration of the body, wheel speed and angular velocity of the car.
Based on the information received, the control unit evaluates the situation in a fraction of a second, and if, in its opinion, the car does not move as the driver wishes, it sends signals to the actuators to correct the situation. Devices that can be controlled by the VSC electronics include:
- anti-lock braking system valves built into the brake line;
- elements of the anti-slip system;
- engine control unit;
- automatic transmission electronics (unless, of course, it is in the car);
- active wheel steering (also if equipped).
The consequence of the operation of the stability control system may be the braking of the wheels, a change in the mode of operation of the engine and gearbox, the redistribution of torque along the axles or wheels, and so on.
Is VSC always helpful?
By the way, despite all its usefulness, VSC technology has its opponents. It is believed that for experienced drivers it is not only useless, but also an unnecessary burden. Perhaps there is some truth in this, and that is why many cars equipped with the stability control system have a button to turn it off.
Sometimes its deactivation allows you to solve a difficult situation in a non-standard way, for example, to add gas to get out of a skid, or simply gives lovers of active driving the opportunity to tickle their nerves and enjoy a real drive behind the wheel.
I hope you are no longer tormented by the question: "car directional stability, what is it"? But be that as it may, friends, always be careful on the roads and do not rely on the smart electronics of the car for everything.
I advise you to get acquainted, within the framework of security systems, with.
In an effort to make cars as safe as possible, manufacturers equip them with all kinds of assistance systems designed to help the driver avoid danger at the right time. One of them is the stability control system. On cars of different brands, it can be called differently: ESC for Honda, DSC for BMW, ESP for the vast majority of European and American cars, VDC for Subaru, VSC for Toyota, VSA for Honda and Acura, but the purpose of the exchange rate stabilization system is the same - prevent the vehicle from deviating from a given trajectory in any driving mode, whether it is acceleration, braking, driving in a straight line or in a turn.
The operation of ESC, VDC, and any other can be illustrated as follows: the car is moving into a corner with a set of speed, suddenly one side hits a sandy area. The traction force changes dramatically, and this can lead to skidding or drifting. To prevent departure from the trajectory, the dynamic stabilization system instantly redistributes torque between the drive wheels, and, if necessary, brakes the wheels. And if the car is equipped with an active steering system, the angle of rotation of the wheels changes.
For the first time, the car's stability control system appeared back in 1995, then called ESP or Electronic Stability Program, and since then has become the most common in the automotive industry. In the future, the device of all systems will be considered on its example.
Design of ESC, DSC, ESP, VDC, VSC, VSA systems
The stability control system is a high-level active safety system. It is a composite, consisting of simpler ones, namely:
- brake force distribution systems (EBD);
- electronic differential lock (EDS);
This system consists of a set of input sensors (pressure in the brake system, wheel speed, acceleration, turning speed and steering angle, etc.), a control unit and a hydraulic unit.
One group of sensors is used to evaluate the driver's actions (data on the steering wheel angle, brake pressure), the other helps to analyze the actual parameters of the car's movement (the wheel speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, car turning speed, brake pressure are estimated).
The ESP ECU, based on the data received from the sensors, issues the appropriate commands to the actuators. In addition to the systems that make up the ESP itself, its control unit interacts with the engine control unit and the automatic transmission control unit. From them, he also receives the necessary information and sends them control signals.
The dynamic stabilization system works by means of an ABS hydraulic unit.
The principle of operation of the ESC, DSC, ESP, VDC, VSC, VSA systems
The stability control ECU operates continuously. Receiving information from sensors that analyze the actions of the driver, it calculates the desired parameters of the car's movement. The results obtained are compared with the actual parameters, information about which comes from the second group of sensors. The mismatch is recognized by ESP as an uncontrollable situation, and it is included in the work.
The movement is stabilized in the following ways:
- certain wheels are braked;
- engine torque changes
- if the car has an active steering system, the angle of rotation of the front wheels changes;
- if the car has an adaptive suspension, the degree of damping of the shock absorbers changes.
Motor torque is changed in one of several ways:
- throttle position changes;
- fuel injection or ignition pulse is skipped;
- the ignition timing changes;
- gear shifting in automatic transmission is canceled;
- in the case of all-wheel drive, the torque is redistributed on the axles.
How necessary is the dynamic stabilization system
There are many opponents of any auxiliary electronic systems in cars. All of them, as one, argue that ESC, DSC, ESP, VDC, VSC, VSA and others only discourage drivers and, moreover, are just a way to get more money out of the buyer. They support their arguments by the fact that even 20 years ago, there were no such electronic assistants in cars, and, nevertheless, drivers did an excellent job of driving.
We must pay tribute to the fact that there is some truth in these arguments. In fact, many drivers, believing that the help of ESC, DSC, ESP, VDC, VSC, VSA gives them almost unlimited possibilities on the road, start driving, neglecting common sense. The result can be very sad.
However, one cannot agree with the opponents of active safety systems. The system of exchange rate stability is necessary, at least as a safety measure. Studies show that a person spends much more time assessing the situation and responding correctly than an electronic system. ESP has already helped save the lives and health of many road users (especially novice drivers). If the driver has perfected his skills to such an extent that the system, although it works, does not interfere with the actions of a person, he can only be congratulated.
Additional features of ESC, DSC, ESP, VDC, VSC, VSA systems
The course stability system, in addition to its main task - the dynamic stabilization of the car, can also perform additional tasks, such as preventing the car from tipping over, preventing collision, stabilizing the road train and others.
SUVs, due to the high center of gravity, are prone to tipping over when entering a turn at high speed. To prevent such a situation, a rollover prevention system, or Roll Over Prevention (ROP), is designed. To increase stability, the front wheels of the vehicle are braked and engine torque is reduced.
To implement the collision avoidance function, the ESC, DSC, ESP, VDC, VSC, VSA systems additionally require adaptive cruise control. First, the driver is given audible and visual signals, if there is no reaction, the pressure in the brake system is automatically increased.
If the stability control system performs the function of stabilizing the road train on vehicles equipped with a towing device, then it prevents the trailer from yawing by braking the wheels and reducing engine torque.
Another useful feature that is especially needed when driving on serpentine roads is to increase the effectiveness of the brakes when they heat up (called Over Boost or Fading Brake Support). It works simply - when the brake pads are heated, the pressure in the brake system automatically increases.
Finally, the dynamic stabilization system can automatically remove moisture from the brake discs. This function is activated when the wipers are on at speeds above 50 km/h. The principle of operation is a short-term regular increase in pressure in the brake system, as a result of which the pads are pressed against the brake discs, they heat up and the water that has fallen on them is partially removed by the pads, and partially evaporates.
In addition to ABS, TSC, ESP, there is also an electronic program called EBD - electronic brake force distribution. This system usually acts as a "makeweight" to ABS, TSC and ESP, optimizing primarily the braking forces on the rear wheels.
When is EBD in demand? Under normal conditions, the main load falls on the brakes of the front wheels, which have better contact with the road, because when braking, the car seems to “bite” with its nose, redistributing the weight to the front. But imagine that you need to slow down when the car is going uphill - the main load now falls on the rear wheels. The EBD system is designed for such cases.
How Brake Assist works
There was a system designed to improve the performance of the brakes - Brake Assist System (BAS). BAS is activated by a sensor that registers too fast movement of the brake pedal, indicating the beginning of emergency braking, and ensures that the maximum possible fluid pressure is created in the brakes. In vehicles with ABS, the fluid pressure is limited to prevent the wheels from locking up.Therefore, BAS is designed to create maximum pressure in the braking system only at the initial moment of an emergency stop of the car. But even this is enough to reduce the braking distance by 15% when braking from a speed of 100 km/h. This shortening of the stopping distance can be decisive: the BAS system can save someone's life.
The potential for auto-braking is huge. Even the simplest systems save lives: if the speed before impact is reduced by 5%, the probability of a fatal outcome is reduced by 25%. And according to real accident statistics in six European countries, auto-braking systems reduce the risk of injury in an accident by 40%.
Unlike BAS, and contrary to common misconception, ABS and ESP do not reduce the braking distance, but, on the contrary, often increase it.. Ultimately, traction is determined by tread pattern, profile width and tire characteristics, and ABS and ESP do not allow the tread to show "character". On asphalt, the increase in braking distance turns out to be insignificant (or does not appear), but on loose snow, gravel, loose soil, the loss in the length of the braking distance can reach 20%.
However, on slippery ice surfaces, ABS support, on the contrary, provides a reduction in the distance to a complete stop by 15% compared to a car without ABS, the wheels of which were braked "in the skid". The main thing is that ABS in a critical situation retains the ability to drive a car, and ESP also helps to return the car to a safe trajectory.
How VSC works
Another novelty in brake technology is the VSC system. It combines the advantages and capabilities of ABS, traction control and vehicle side slip control. It also compensates for some of the shortcomings inherent in each of the systems, which ensures confident movement even on winding slippery roads.VSC sensors monitor engine and transmission operating modes, rotational speed of each of the wheels, brake pressure, steering angle, lateral acceleration and yaw, and the resulting data is transmitted to the electronic control unit. The VSC microcomputer, having processed the information from the sensors and assessing the situation, makes the only correct decision for a particular situation and issues a command to the actuators. In situations that could become emergency due to excessive confidence or due to insufficient driver experience, the VSC system will correct his actions, fix the error and prevent the car from getting out of control.
Suppose the car enters a turn at too high speed, and the driver, realizing that he made a mistake with her choice, makes another mistake - he brakes sharply or turns the steering wheel excessively in the direction of the turn. Having received information from the sensors, the VSC system instantly registers that the car is in a critical position, and without allowing the wheels to lock up to skid, it redistributes the braking forces on the wheels to counteract the car's rotation around a vertical axis.
Why do owners of high-end cars need to have important safety components? They must be installed on all vehicles to protect the driver and passengers. In the near future, VSC will become a private, as will ABS.
Today we will try to explain and answer the question: What is VSC in a car? In fact, Vehicle Stability Control, or in the abbreviation VSC, is a vehicle stability control system.
Check VSC is installed in the car in order to constantly monitor its speed and direction of movement. This electronic system continuously compares the parameters actually produced during the maneuvers of the machine with the acceleration or deceleration set by the driver. VSC helps replace lost traction to help prevent skidding.
The stability control system is a necessary assistance to the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle when driving under normal conditions and during difficult weather situations. However, the presence of VSC in the car is not a panacea and one hundred percent protection against
The safety of the driver by and large depends on him: on his experience and driving style, compliance with traffic rules and keeping the car in proper order. You can not rely on the system, ignoring elementary safety rules. The degree to which VSC is effective in preventing loss of control is directly related to the amount of speed, the driver's reaction, the condition and quality of the tires on the wheels, as well as the availability and quality of the road surface.
The system allows you to control the stability when maneuvering the car. Check VSC using electronic sensor data to manage over or under maneuverability in critical situations. Insufficient maneuverability contributes to the loss of traction of the car on the front wheels, causing the front axle to shift. Excessive maneuverability leads to a loss of traction by the rear wheels and, accordingly, the rear axle moves away from the vehicle's trajectory.
By braking with one wheel or several at once, the system limits the thrust of the car engine in order to prevent skidding or overshooting. However, the driver should remember that VSC is not omnipotent and cannot, violating the laws of physics, provide proper grip in critical situations.
Conducted independent international studies have proven the invaluable benefits and effectiveness of the electronic VSC system in providing real assistance to the driver in maintaining control of the car, minimizing the risk of car collisions and thereby saving human lives. Provided that this system would function in every car, then 10,000 people would not die in accidents every year.
However, the opinions of the direct users of this electronic system were divided into opposite ones. Some consider it the most important means of safety (like the belts of the same name). Others claim that "guaranteed safety" only encourages the driver - the reckless driver to make daring decisions and risky maneuvers when driving a car. And in general, such "electronic things" indulge in aggressive and absent-minded driving.
Some experienced drivers refuse to use the stability control system, claiming that it deprives them of the opportunity to experience the real dynamics of the purchased car. And in general, the "electronic nanny" spoils all the pleasure derived from independent driving.
Therefore, in order to please all customers at once, some manufacturers, when installing the VSC system in a car, also provide a button to turn it off. And in some cars there is a function to change the settings of the electronic system so that it works only with a significant skid or drift.
Another important claim to the VSC is the permission to "reckless drivers" at a fairly high speed to drive a car steadily. And when the unfortunate racer “crosses the line”, the collision occurs at “cosmic” speed and entails dire consequences.
However, the reasonable use of the VSC system can improve the comfort and safety of driving a car, significantly reduce the number of deaths during accidents.
