Vehicle Access Obstacle Detection With Degradation-Aware Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection systems in access devices of vehicles do not effectively account for degradation, leading to inaccurate obstacle detection and potential device failure.
Innovation Solution
A computational model is used to simulate the behavior of the access device, allowing for adjustments based on detected degradation, enabling dynamic threshold adjustments for obstacle detection by comparing actual and expected state signals, and incorporating parameters such as energy consumption to reflect the device's degradation state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed threshold values are used for obstacle detection, then the obstacle detection system is simple to implement, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to device degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment by continuously adapting the reference values in the simulation model based on actual device behavior. Instead of using fixed thresholds, the system dynamically modifies the simulation model parameters to reflect current device state, including degradation effects. This resolves the contradiction by making the detection system adaptive rather than static, maintaining accuracy despite device aging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the simulation model based on actual state signals from the access device. By continuously updating the model parameters to match current device conditions, the system maintains accurate obstacle detection thresholds even as the device degrades. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between simple fixed thresholds and accurate degradation-aware detection.
2Measurement precision
If the simulation model is continuously adjusted based on actual state signals, then the obstacle detection accuracy is improved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where actual state signals from the access device are continuously fed back to adjust the simulation model. This closed-loop approach allows the system to learn from actual device behavior and adapt the reference values accordingly, improving detection accuracy while managing computational complexity through efficient feedback processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy (simulation model) of the access device that mirrors its behavior. By adjusting this digital twin based on actual signals, the system can predict device state and obstacle conditions without requiring complex real-time analysis of all device parameters, thus reducing computational complexity while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If fixed reference values are used for comparison, then the system is easier to implement, but false detections increase due to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the reference values dynamic by continuously adapting the simulation model to current device conditions. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the comparison thresholds remain accurate even as the device degrades, reducing false detections while maintaining system reliability. The complexity increase is justified by the significant improvement in detection reliability.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If degradation effects are not considered, then the obstacle detection system remains simple, but the operational life of the device is reduced due to false maintenance triggers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts the simulation model parameters to reflect actual device degradation, allowing the system to distinguish between normal aging effects and actual obstacle conditions. This parameter adaptation reduces false maintenance triggers by accounting for expected performance changes over time, thereby extending operational life while managing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for state-based maintenance of an access device of a vehicle, in particular of a public transport vehicle, wherein the access device includes a moveable element and an electric drive for moving the moveable element and is attached to the vehicle. The drive is controlled with control signals, wherein actual state signals for describing the state are generated based on a detected state of the access device. The control signals are applied to a physical simulation model for computationally simulating the access device and determining expected target state signals and wherein based on a comparison between the actual state signals and associated target state signals, a maintenance state of the access device is determined. The simulation model is adjusted based on the comparison between the actual state signals and the associated target state signals.