Vehicle Autonomy Disengage Switch for Control Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in disengaging vehicle control systems, leading to potential conflicts with human operators and inefficiencies when transitioning control, as existing systems may take time to cease control signals or become stuck in error states.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of disengage switches that disconnect the vehicle autonomy system from control interfaces, allowing human operators to assume full control by generating a disengage signal, preventing further autonomous control inputs, especially in scenarios where the system is malfunctioning or when the vehicle is not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle autonomy system continues to provide control signals after disengagement, then the system maintains its control capability, but conflicts arise with human operator inputs and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful control signals from the autonomy system by introducing a disengage switch that physically or electrically disconnects the autonomy controller from the vehicle control interfaces. This removes the source of conflicting inputs while preserving the autonomy system's computational capability for future re-engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The disengage switch is designed to preemptively block control signals before conflicts can occur. When activated, it immediately prevents any further autonomy system outputs from reaching the vehicle controls, ensuring that no harmful conflicting inputs can manifest during the transition to human-only control.
2Productivity
If the vehicle autonomy system takes time to cease control signals after disengagement, then the system has time to process the disengage command, but control transition is delayed and operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The disengage switch is positioned and configured to immediately interrupt the control signal path upon activation. This preliminary blocking action ensures that no time is lost in processing or gradually reducing autonomy signals, achieving instantaneous control transition from autonomous to human-only operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle autonomy system remains engaged when not in use, then the system is ready for immediate operation, but energy is consumed and potential malfunctions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct operational modes through the disengage switch, separating autonomous control function from system power state. This allows the autonomy system to be electrically disconnected and powered down when not in use, eliminating energy consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly re-engage when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples are directed to systems and methods for controlling a vehicle. Power may be provided to a cut-off valve in fluid communication between an automated control (AC) valve and a shuttle valve. The cut-off valve may be configured to open in response to the power, causing fluid communication between the AC valve and the shuttle valve. A vehicle autonomy system may modulate the AC valve to control a level of pressurized air provided from a pressurized air reservoir to a foundation brake via the AC valve and the shuttle valve. In response to an automated disengage signal, the cut-off valve may close to prevent pressurized air from reaching the shuttle valve via the AC valve and permit pressurized air to reach the shuttle valve via a pedal valve.