Optimizing Brake Pedal Feel and Driver Comfort in Buses with Pneumatic Braking Systems

Brakes are a critical safety component in vehicles, and every parameter of the braking system plays a vital role in vehicle operation. Among these, brake pedal feel and driver confidence are key factors, in addition to achieving the required brake force, deceleration, and stopping distance. These aspects depend on the system-generated torque, available pneumatic pressure, lining material properties, and Electronic Braking System (EBS) parameters. This paper focuses on the factors influencing brake pedal feel while maintaining a balance between driver comfort and confidence during bus operation. Under optimal braking conditions, brake pedal response and brake torque gradient must align with the driver’s deceleration demands. The braking system must respond promptly, completing the application in the shortest possible duration. The brake torque gradient values specified in the EBS file should neither be too low nor too high, and the brake pedal feel must remain consistent throughout the entire braking process. Achieving uniform braking enhances driver confidence and overall comfort. The performance of the braking system is evaluated against these criteria and benchmark against similar vehicles in the same category. A mathematical model is developed in MATLAB to analyze the relationship between brake torque gradient values and response time as dependent variables, with factors influencing brake pedal feel and driver confidence as independent variables. The effects of varying brake torque gradient values are studied and compared with real-world test results to identify the optimal configuration for achieving superior pedal feel and driver confidence.