Autonomous Transport Sensor Failure Response and Operation Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transportation systems lack effective methods to manage and respond to sensor malfunctions in real-time, which can compromise the safety and autonomy of vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that determine if a sensor on a transport is malfunctioning, assess the severity of the malfunction, and adjust the autonomous level and operation of the transport accordingly, potentially utilizing data from other sensors or vehicles to compensate for faulty sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the transport operates at a high autonomous level, then productivity and convenience are improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate when sensors malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operation capabilityVSAvoidsafety under sensor malfunction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the autonomous level based on sensor functionality. When sensors are detected to be malfunctioning, the autonomous level is automatically lowered to ensure safety, while allowing high autonomous operation when all sensors are functioning properly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors sensor status and provides feedback to adjust operational parameters. The processor detects sensor malfunctions and responds by modifying the autonomous level and operational limitations in real-time based on the sensor health feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the transport continues operation with malfunctioning sensors, then productivity is maintained, but safety and measurement precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidsensor data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows partial operation continuation by imposing limitations based on the specific malfunctioning sensor. Instead of complete shutdown, the transport operates with restricted capabilities that prevent unsafe actions while maintaining productive operation where possible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as speed limits, route restrictions, or loading constraints based on which sensors are malfunctioning. This allows the transport to adapt its operating parameters to compensate for reduced measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the autonomous level is lowered due to sensor malfunction, then safety is improved, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety during sensor malfunctionVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous level is dynamically adjusted rather than permanently reduced. When the malfunctioning sensor is repaired or replaced, the system can restore the higher autonomous level, minimizing the impact on productivity while maintaining safety during the malfunction period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250050909A1Transport limitations from malfunctioning sensors

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

An example operation includes one or more of determining a sensor on a transport is not functioning properly, determining a severity of the malfunction, responsive to the severity exceeding a threshold, lowering an autonomous level of the transport, and responsive to the severity continuing to exceed the threshold, limiting an operation of the transport based on an intended output of the malfunctioning sensor.