Vehicle Actuator Output Stage Control via Multi-Unit Linking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle actuator control systems lack effective mechanisms to ensure safe state operation in case of controller malfunctions, particularly for solenoid valves, where failures can lead to undesired control of output stages.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that logically link multiple monitoring units with an application unit using an AND function to control the output stage, ensuring that any failure results in a safe state by suppressing the control signal unless all enabling and authorization signals are in predetermined states, utilizing a linking unit with switches and transistors to prevent control signal provision in faulty conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple monitoring units are logically linked with an AND function to control the output stage, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent monitoring units (first monitoring unit, second monitoring unit) that each independently monitor different aspects of the system. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher reliability through redundancy while keeping each individual monitoring unit relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A linking unit is introduced as an intermediary component that logically connects the multiple monitoring units and the application unit. The linking unit implements the AND function by receiving signals from multiple sources and only allowing control signal transmission when all conditions are satisfied, thereby managing the complexity of coordinating multiple monitoring units.
2Reliability
If the control signal is suppressed unless all enabling and authorization signals are in predetermined states, then the safety is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the linking unit to automatically suppress control signals when any monitoring condition is not satisfied. This preventive mechanism ensures safety by blocking potentially harmful control actions before they can occur, while the automatic nature of the suppression minimizes the impact on productivity through rapid response.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring units continuously monitor system parameters in advance and prepare authorization signals before control actions are needed. This preliminary monitoring and signal preparation ensures that when control is required, the linking unit can quickly evaluate all conditions and either permit or suppress the control signal without significant delay.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling an actuator/solenoid valve output stage, for a vehicle, including: a terminal to receive an enable signal via an interface to an application unit, the enable signal assuming enable/disable states to enable/disable output stage control; a first suppression terminal to receive a first suppression signal via a monitoring unit interface, the first suppression signal assuming a first authorization/suppression state for authorizing/suppressing output stage control; a second suppression terminal to receive a second suppression signal via a second monitoring unit interface, the second suppression signal assuming a second authorization/suppression state for authorizing/suppressing output stage control; an output terminal as an interface to the output stage; and a linking unit to provide a control signal for controlling the output stage to the output terminal for the enable signal, and the first/second suppression signal has the first/second authorization state. Also described are a related method and actuator circuit.