Autonomous Vehicle Path Planning for Chassis Intervention Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional autonomous vehicle systems lack the ability to communicate and adjust path plans in response to impending chassis controller activations, leading to potential passenger discomfort, deviations from planned paths, and a degraded vehicle state due to independent operation of chassis controllers without communication with the computing system.

Innovation Solution

A computing system interfaces with chassis controllers to receive consumption signals representing the percentage of activation thresholds, allowing for preemptive adjustments to path plans and mechanical system actuations to prevent chassis controller interventions, using a CAN bus for communication and potentially variable activation thresholds based on environmental data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If chassis controllers operate independently without communication with the computing system, then the chassis controller can respond quickly to stability issues, but the computing system cannot modify path plans to prevent chassis controller activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speed of chassis controllerVSAvoidlack of communication between chassis controller and computing system

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis controller outputs a consumption signal representing the percentage of activation threshold consumed, which is received by the computing system. This feedback loop enables the computing system to monitor chassis controller state and modify path plans preemptively to prevent activation, while the chassis controller maintains its independent rapid response capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The computing system uses the consumption signal to determine the path plan before the chassis controller activation threshold is reached. By taking preliminary action to adjust the path plan when the threshold is approaching, the system prevents chassis controller activation while maintaining the chassis controller's independent operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the computing system executes control signals to follow the path plan, then the autonomous vehicle can achieve navigation accuracy, but the chassis controller may activate causing passenger discomfort and deviations from the path plan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath following accuracyVSAvoidpassenger discomfort and vehicle instability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The computing system determines the path plan in advance based on the consumption signal from the chassis controller, adjusting the path to avoid maneuvers that would trigger chassis controller activation. This preliminary adjustment prevents passenger discomfort and path deviations while maintaining navigation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The computing system takes preemptive measures to modify the path plan before chassis controller activation occurs, counteracting the potential harmful effects of activation such as passenger discomfort and path deviations. This approach eliminates the need for corrective actions after activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If the chassis controller activation threshold is fixed, then the chassis controller operation is simple and reliable, but the system cannot adapt to different environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechassis controller activation reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to environmental conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The activation threshold is changed from a fixed value to a variable threshold that can be adjusted based on environmental conditions detected by sensors. This dynamic adjustment allows the chassis controller to adapt to different road surfaces, weather conditions, and vehicle loads while maintaining reliable operation through the established threshold mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The activation threshold parameter is made variable rather than fixed, allowing it to change according to environmental conditions. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions while preserving the reliability of the chassis controller activation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11447126B2Preemptive chassis control intervention for autonomous vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 GM CRUISE HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Described herein is a system and method for preemptive chassis control intervention for an autonomous vehicle having a mechanical system and a chassis controller. The chassis controller is configured to output a consumption signal that represents a percentage of an activation threshold consumed by an operation monitored by the chassis controller, wherein the chassis controller is activated to manipulate the mechanical system when the activation threshold is reached. A computing system of the autonomous vehicle receives the consumption signal output by the chassis controller to determine a path plan for the autonomous vehicle based upon the percentage of the activation threshold consumed by the operation monitored by the chassis controller. The computing system further controls the mechanical system to execute the path plan to preempt activation of the chassis controller.