Vehicle Actuator ID Verification for Misinstallation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commonality of hardware components in vehicle actuators can lead to installation errors, posing safety hazards as control modules may inadvertently send signals to incorrect actuators, leading to potential safety critical events during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A system that assigns unique identifiers to each actuator and uses a control module with interface ports communicating via serial data links to verify the correct installation of actuators by comparing received identifiers with stored identifiers specific to each location, generating an error signal for misconfigurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hardware components are made common across different actuator locations, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but installation errors increase leading to safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of actuator installation by comparing the unique identifier from the installed actuator with the expected identifier stored in the control module before allowing system operation. This preliminary check prevents misconfigured actuators from being deployed, resolving the contradiction between using common hardware and ensuring correct installation.
2Reliability
If mechanical keying or hardware variants are used to prevent misinstallation, then installation accuracy improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical keying systems or hardware variants with an electronic identification and verification system. Each actuator has a unique identifier (such as a serial number or RFID tag) that is read by the control module, which then verifies it matches the expected identifier for that location. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical prevention mechanisms while maintaining high installation accuracy.
3Reliability
If actuator misconfigurations are detected during manufacturing, then safety hazards are prevented, but detection system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator itself provides its unique identifier through its onboard microcontroller or identification tag, and the control module autonomously verifies this identifier against its stored expected value. This self-service approach allows the system to detect misconfigurations without requiring external complex detection equipment, maintaining safety while minimizing added system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting actuator misconfiguration in a vehicle includes actuators and a control module. Each actuator is assigned a unique identifier. The control module includes interface ports in communication with the actuators via serial data links. Each interface port is in communication with two of the actuators. Each actuator is in communication with two of the interface ports. The control module is configured to receive a message from an actuator installed at a location of the vehicle, the message including the unique identifier assigned to the actuator, compare the received unique identifier assigned to the actuator to a stored identifier specific to the location of the vehicle, and in response to the received unique identifier being different than the stored identifier, transmit an error signal indicating a failure associated with the actuator. Other examples systems and methods for detecting actuator misconfiguration in vehicles are also disclosed.