Autonomous Vehicle Brake Redundancy via Switching Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous vehicle brake systems lack redundancy and fail-safety features, leading to potential reduced brake performance and increased risk in emergency situations, especially when the primary electronic brake system fails.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-brake system comprising an EBS brake system and an auxiliary brake system with a switching device that automatically activates the auxiliary system if the EBS system experiences reduced performance or failure, utilizing a pivoting anchor valve for rapid and reliable brake pressure control, and a shuttle valve for parallel brake path connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single EBS brake system is used for autonomous vehicle control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and fail-safety are insufficient when the primary system fails
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is segmented into two independent subsystems: the primary EBS brake system and the auxiliary brake system. Each system has its own control pathways and components, allowing the vehicle to maintain braking capability even if one system fails. The switching device selectively activates either the first or second brake system based on operational status, ensuring redundancy without requiring both systems to operate simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the autonomous driving control system directly controls the brake system, then the automation level is high, but the system lacks fail-safety mechanisms for electronic system failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates beforehand cushioning by providing a standby auxiliary brake system that remains ready to take over if the primary EBS system fails. The switching device continuously monitors the operational status of the primary system and automatically activates the auxiliary system when a failure is detected, ensuring fail-safety without requiring continuous high-level autonomous intervention.
3Speed
If the EBS brake system is used for rapid brake pressure control, then the brake response speed is fast, but the system becomes vulnerable to electronic control failures
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device acts as an intermediary between the autonomous driving control system and the two brake systems. It monitors the electronic control system's status and automatically switches from the fast-response EBS system to the mechanically-pneumatic auxiliary system when electronic failures are detected, ensuring that the high-speed braking capability is preserved when available while providing a reliable fallback option.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances brake system redundancy, ensuring continued safe operation by automatically switching to the auxiliary system when the EBS system fails, thereby maintaining brake performance and safety even in critical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a pivoting anchor valve for rapid and reliable brake pressure control
Implementation Method 2
a shuttle valve for parallel brake path connectivity
Implementation Method 3
a switching device that automatically activates the auxiliary system if the EBS system experiences reduced performance or failure
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an autonomously driven vehicle (1). The vehicle (1) comprises a brake system (3) with an EBS brake system (7) and an auxiliary brake system (8). Furthermore, the vehicle comprises an autonomous driving control system (2). A switching device (13) of the brake system (3) deactivates the EBS brake system (7) and activates the auxiliary brake system (8) when detecting an at least reduced brake performance of the EBS brake system (7). Here, the EBS brake system (7) and the auxiliary brake system (8) are able to process the same brake demands (5) generated by the autonomous driving control system (2) without an adaptation of the brake demand (5) by the autonomous driving control system (2) being required when switching from the EBS brake system (7) to the auxiliary brake system (8).