Autonomous Vehicle Torque Steering Redundancy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack adequate redundancy in their drive systems, leading to potential stranding of passengers when one or more components fail, as existing systems cannot continue operations without complete functionality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing torque steering mechanisms in autonomous vehicles with redundant powertrain units and a controller that can detect non-operational components, enabling continued operation by disabling affected units and utilizing remaining operational units for propulsion and torque steering to navigate to a safe stop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant powertrain units are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into multiple independent powertrain units (first, second, third, and fourth units), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even when some units fail, as each unit can operate autonomously to provide propulsion and steering control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational configuration based on the functional status of powertrain units. When a unit fails, the controller reconfigures the remaining operational units to provide both propulsion and torque steering functions, transitioning the system from a symmetric four-unit configuration to an asymmetric operational mode with reduced but sufficient capability.
2Measurement precision
If torque steering control is implemented with differential torque application, then steering precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical steering linkages with a torque-based control system that uses differential torque application to powertrain units. Instead of physical connection between steering components, the system uses independent torque control of each powertrain unit to achieve steering, eliminating complex mechanical steering mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The powertrain units serve multiple functions: propulsion when all units are operational, and torque steering when differential torque is applied. When some units fail, the remaining units universally provide both propulsion and steering functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated steering mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent control of each powertrain unit is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the operational status of each powertrain unit and adjusts torque distribution accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect failures and automatically reconfigure torque allocation to maintain safe operation, adapting to various failure scenarios without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (torque distribution, power allocation) based on the functional status of powertrain units. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system adapts to different operational configurations, maintaining safe operation whether all units are functional or some have failed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus and methods to multiple levels of redundancy in torque steering control and propulsion control of an autonomous vehicle include determining that a powertrain unit of the autonomous vehicle is non-operational and disabling propulsion operation of the non-operational powertrain unit and implementing torque steering operation in another powertrain unit while propelling the autonomous vehicle using other powertrain units that are configured to implement torque steering operation and propulsion operation.