Ambient Sensor Fault Detection via Inter-Vehicle Signal Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive powertrain control systems are unable to effectively detect in-range faults in ambient pressure and temperature sensors, which can lead to engine damage and emissions issues, particularly at high altitudes, due to the lack of redundant sensors and limited fault detection capabilities beyond open/short circuit faults.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing inter-vehicle communications to compare signal readings from multiple vehicles, employing a voting technique to detect and correct in-range faults in ambient sensors, and using GPS elevation data to estimate ambient pressure, creating a virtual redundant system for fault-tolerant operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant sensors are deployed to detect in-range faults in ambient sensors, then reliability of fault detection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of sensor data by collecting ambient sensor readings from multiple surrounding vehicles through vehicle-to-vehicle communication. These copied readings from neighboring vehicles serve as reference data to detect faults in the host vehicle's ambient sensors, eliminating the need for physical redundant sensors while maintaining fault detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges sensor data from multiple vehicles into a collective dataset. By combining ambient sensor readings from the host vehicle and surrounding vehicles, the system creates a pooled reference that enhances fault detection reliability without requiring each vehicle to carry redundant sensors
2Reliability
If redundant sensors are deployed to detect in-range faults in ambient sensors, then reliability of fault detection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of sensor data by collecting ambient sensor readings from multiple surrounding vehicles through vehicle-to-vehicle communication. These copied readings from neighboring vehicles serve as reference data to detect faults in the host vehicle's ambient sensors, eliminating the need for physical redundant sensors while maintaining fault detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables ambient sensor readings from surrounding vehicles to serve multiple functions: they act as reference data for fault detection, provide environmental context for the host vehicle, and contribute to a collective dataset that improves overall system reliability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated redundant sensors
3Productivity
If ambient sensor readings are used for engine control at high altitude, then engine performance is improved, but risk of engine damage increases due to sensor in-range faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where ambient sensor readings from multiple vehicles are continuously monitored and compared. When a fault is detected in the host vehicle's ambient sensor, the system receives feedback from surrounding vehicles' sensor data, identifies the discrepancy, and triggers corrective action to prevent engine damage while maintaining performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares protective measures in advance by continuously collecting and analyzing ambient sensor data from multiple vehicles. When operating at high altitudes, the system already has reference data from surrounding vehicles ready to cushion against potential sensor failures, preventing engine damage before it occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided to monitor operation of a sensing system for a motor vehicle equipped with inter-vehicle communications capability. The method comprises comparing analogous signals communicated from a plurality of vehicles in close proximity thereto.