Autonomous Vehicle Brake Redundancy via Secondary Control Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack effective redundancy in their braking systems, leading to potential safety risks if the primary brake control module fails, as existing systems do not quickly detect and respond to such failures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a secondary brake control module that monitors the primary module's performance and can autonomously initiate braking actions through hydraulic or electronic parking brake systems if the primary module fails, ensuring the vehicle can decelerate or stop even in the event of a fault.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a primary brake control module is used to brake the autonomous vehicle, then the braking function is achieved, but the system lacks redundancy and safety is compromised if the primary module fails
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control system is segmented into a primary brake control module and a secondary brake control module. Each module operates independently with its own processor, allowing the secondary module to take over if the primary module fails, thus improving reliability without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary brake control module is pre-configured and stands by in readiness to assume control. The system performs preliminary monitoring of the primary module's status, and when failure is detected, the secondary module is already prepared to immediately execute braking commands without requiring complex real-time decision-making
2Loss of time
If the secondary brake control module continuously monitors the primary module, then failure detection speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary brake control module continuously receives feedback signals from the primary brake control module regarding its operational status. This feedback mechanism allows for rapid detection of failures while maintaining energy efficiency through structured communication protocols that only transmit necessary status information
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for brake redundancy for an autonomous vehicle are provided. An autonomous vehicle braking system can include a primary brake control module comprising one or more processors. The primary brake control module can be configured to brake an autonomous vehicle in response to receiving a braking command from a vehicle autonomy system of the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle braking system can further include a secondary brake control module comprising one or more processors. The secondary brake control module can be configured to determine a failure of the primary brake control module to brake the autonomous vehicle in response to receiving the braking command. In response to determining the failure of the primary brake control module to brake the autonomous vehicle, the secondary brake control module can be configured to implement a braking action for the autonomous vehicle.