Driving-safety systems for passenger cars

Vehicle Dynamics Management

Function

For Vehicle Dynamics Management (VDM) Bosch networks the Electronic Stability Program ESP® with other active vehicle dynamics systems in the fields of steering, drive train and chassis to influence the handling of a vehicle and to better support the driver, especially in critical situations. Based on this networking, Bosch realizes software functions that further increase vehicle stability and thus improve driving safety and vehicle dynamics. The fact that the functions are implemented by means of software modules enable the vehicle manufacturers to differentiate with respect to vehicle make, and also within a given vehicle model.

The VDM software can be integrated in either the ESP® control unit or in a domain control unit. The vehicle’s sub-systems all utilize the sensor signals and the centrally calculated information on the vehicle’s driving status, e.g. on speed, sideslip angle and movement of the vehicle body. This ensures consistent system behavior and the economically efficient implementation of functions.
Customer benefits
Increased safety through networking of already existing system components

High stability in all driving situations

Better dynamic response when cornering permits sporty driving

Shorter braking distances for reduced risk

Economically efficient solutions resulting from sensor and engineering synergies

Brand and model specific design of driving characteristics

Networking of ESP® with steering systems

VDM functions that are realized by networking the Electronic Stability Program ESP® with steering systems contribute to improved driving safety and agility.

The function Dynamic Steering Angle Control networks ESP® with the active front steering system. As soon as ESP® detects the onset of a skidding movement, Dynamic Steering Angle Control stabilizes the vehicle at a very early stage by independently correcting the steering angle at the front wheels.

Dynamic Steering Torque Control makes use of electrical power steering to vary the steering support provided by the system. In critical driving situations, this function guides the driver to intuitively choose the optimum steering movement by reinforcing or diminishing the steering support.

Both VDM functions further improve the driving dynamics and agility of the vehicle by coordinating the steering and brake interventions. In most situations a steering intervention is sufficient without reducing the vehicle speed.

Networking of ESP® with torque vectoring systems

To improve a vehicle's agility and stability when cornering, the motive force at the driven wheels is corrected with the help of the Electronic Stability Program ESP®. The VDM function Dynamic Wheel Torque Control reduces the engine's motive force on the wheel on the inside and increases this force on the wheel on the outside. As a result, the vehicle is more agile and can corner more quickly and stable – with less steering effort for the driver and less corrective ESP® interventions.