Vehicle Actuator Control Fallback for Communication Link Failures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator arrangements in motor vehicles face challenges in maintaining fail safety during control system malfunctions without the need for complex redundancies, as they rely on communication links that can fail, leading to potential system failures.
Innovation Solution
The method involves monitoring the operating state of actuators using sensors to detect malfunctions and allowing control devices to directly control affected actuators based on the state of other actuators, eliminating the need for complex redundancies and enabling autonomous operation without communication with the central control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex redundant components are added to improve fail safety, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device assigned to the affected actuator autonomously detects the malfunction and takes over control without requiring complex redundant systems. The control device monitors sensor signals from other actuators and automatically switches to direct control mode, enabling the system to serve itself during failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed to perform multiple functions: normal centralized control under healthy conditions and autonomous direct control under malfunction conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate redundant control systems while maintaining fail safety.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of all actuators is performed, then reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device monitors sensor signals continuously during normal operation but only activates full autonomous control functionality when a malfunction is detected. This periodic activation of monitoring intensity reduces energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses feedback from sensor signals to determine when monitoring is needed. By evaluating sensor signals and detecting changes in actuator behavior, the system activates comprehensive monitoring only when necessary, optimizing energy usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an actuator arrangement for a motor vehicle. The actuator arrangement includes at least two controllable actuators and a control system with at least two control devices, which are each assigned to one of the actuators and a central control device, in each case connected to the control devices by means of communication technology by communication links. The control devices are controlled in a fault-free normal operating mode of the actuator arrangement by the central control device for controlling the relevant actuators. The control system is monitored for the occurrence of a malfunction in that an operating state of the relevant actuator is monitored. If a malfunction of the control system affecting one of the actuators is recognized, the affected actuator is controlled directly by the control device assigned to it depending on the operating state of the other actuator detected by the monitoring.