Autonomous Driving Power Supply Redundancy for Safety Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous vehicles lack reliable and efficient power management systems, particularly in challenging environments, which can lead to catastrophic failures if both power supplies fail, compromising safety and functionality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-tiered distributed power supply system with distinct levels and a safety power supply as a backup, allowing for dynamic control and real-time adjustments to ensure uninterrupted power to critical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single power supply system is used in autonomous vehicles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of power supply is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into multiple independent power supply units (first power supply, second power supply, third power supply) that can operate independently. Each power supply unit is connected to different subsets of the plurality of components, ensuring that a failure in one unit does not affect the others. This segmentation increases reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different power supply units provide power to different subsets of components based on their specific power requirements and failure modes. The system assigns specific power supply responsibilities to each unit, creating localized power domains that can be independently managed and monitored, thereby improving overall system reliability without requiring complete redundancy of the entire power system.
2Reliability
If redundant power supplies are implemented, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The redundant power supply system is segmented into three distinct power supply units, each responsible for specific subsets of components. This segmentation allows the redundancy to be implemented in a structured manner rather than duplicating the entire power system, thereby managing complexity while achieving reliability through targeted redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial redundancy by having three power supply units that collectively provide more power capacity than any single unit alone. The third power supply unit serves as a backup that can take over if either the first or second power supply fails, providing excessive action (redundancy) only where needed to maintain reliability without fully duplicating the entire power system.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple power supply units are used, then the continuous operation of critical components is ensured, but the loss of energy increases due to standby power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system dynamically switches between active and standby states based on operational conditions and failure detection. The control system monitors the status of each power supply unit and dynamically reconfigures the system to activate backup power supplies only when needed, rather than maintaining all units in a constant high-power standby state, thereby reducing energy loss while ensuring continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous power supply to critical components by maintaining multiple power supply units that can seamlessly take over if one fails. The third power supply unit is configured to provide continuous backup power, ensuring that the useful action (powering critical components) continues uninterrupted without requiring all units to operate at full capacity simultaneously, thus managing energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments presented herein include systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable medium or media for controlling power for a vehicle that utilizes one or more computing systems for control, such as an autonomous vehicle. Embodiments comprise multi-tiered distributed power supplies. In one or more embodiments, the overall power system may be structured into distinct levels for enhanced reliability and efficiency. Certain power systems may be tasked with supporting certain systems of the vehicle, which may be correlated to the amount of power (i.e., maximum power and duration) the tier can supply. Because of the inherent risks related to vehicles, a paramount emphasis of the power system design and operation is related to safety. In one or more embodiments, a safety power supply is included as a backup system and may be used to perform one or more safety shutdown procedures.