Technology Meets Safety - The Evolution of Braking Technology: Systematic Analysis and Comparison of Mechanical, Hybrid and Electric Systems

The development of new high-tech systems requires a combination of expertise from various fields, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and software development. These synergies are essential for developing the systems of tomorrow, particularly in the field of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), which play a key role in autonomous vehicles, networked production facilities, and smart grids. As part of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) Convide, we will utilize various generations of braking systems as a research platform for CPS. We will develop, construct, and investigate a purely mechanical braking system, a hybrid vehicle braking system, and a purely electric braking system.

What we want to do:

The objective of this thesis is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the functionality of different generations of braking systems and their associated subsystems. The objective of this thesis is to make a substantial contribution to the advancement of the research platform within the CRC Convide initiative. This will be achieved by identifying the key differentiating and converging factors between the various generations of braking systems.

Your task:

1. Analysis of the braking systems:
   • Detailed analysis of the functioning of the various braking systems and their subsystems using the C&C² approach.
   • Examination of mechanical, hybrid and electric braking systems with regard to their technical specifications and functional principles.
2. Comparison of the systems:
   • Systematic comparison of the analyzed braking systems.
   • Identification and documentation of the differences and similarities between the various system generations.
3. Consideration of the aspects of a Cyber-Physical System:
   • An investigation into how the characteristics of a CPS are manifested in various braking systems and the resulting specific requirements.

Am I suitable for this?

If you have a technical background (e.g. mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, computer science, industrial engineering, etc.) and are interested in the development process of complex cyber-physical systems, you will fit the profile perfectly! You should enjoy researching new and interesting topics and be willing to engage with the theoretical aspects of product development.

Your benefits

• Work on an interdisciplinary topic between mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software and industrial engineering
• Learning how to work scientifically
• Intensive 1:1 coaching with a research assistant
• Possibility to network and exchange with students working on theses at Convide
• The aim is to publish the results of the work scientifically

Are you interested? Then please send an e-mail to: lars.gesmann∂kit.edu.