Integrated vehicle dynamics control using active brake, steering and suspension systems

Active chassis systems like brake, steering, suspension and propulsion systems are increasingly entering the market. In addition to their basic functions, these systems may be used for functions of integrated vehicle dynamics control. A global architecture is required to prevent negative interference, for an optimised functionality and for managing system complexity. Several approaches are known under names like Integrated or Global Chassis Control and Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control. Vehicle Dynamics Management (VDM) is the Bosch approach for co-ordinating vehicle dynamics functions by integrated control of active chassis systems. Its essential features are a clearly structured, extensible functional architecture with appropriate control structures and system interfaces with physical meaning.