Brake-By-Wire Redundancy Using an Independent Vehicle Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake-by-wire systems in vehicles face high complexity, cost, and weight increases due to the need for redundant hydraulic components, which complicates safe operation in case of partial system failures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a brake-by-wire system that utilizes an independent controller, already present in the vehicle for other functions, to activate brake actuators, eliminating the need for additional mechanical connections and providing redundancy through sensors and energy supply units, allowing the system to maintain reliability and safety during partial failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional hydraulic brake device is provided as a fall-back level in brake-by-wire systems, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing controller independent of the brake system by enabling it to perform both its original function and brake system control. This multi-functionality allows the controller to serve as a fall-back level without requiring additional dedicated hardware, thereby improving reliability while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing controller in the vehicle is utilized to provide brake system control capabilities. Instead of adding a separate dedicated controller, the system leverages the already-present controller's processing power and connectivity to handle brake actuator control, making the system self-sufficient for redundancy without external additions.
2Reliability
If an additional hydraulic brake device is provided as a fall-back level, then operational reliability is improved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing controller is programmed to perform both its original vehicle function and brake system control. This eliminates the need to manufacture and install additional dedicated brake control hardware, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining the fall-back capability for improved reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vehicle's existing controller resources (processor, memory, communication interfaces) to provide brake control functionality. This self-service approach avoids the costs associated with manufacturing, testing, and installing separate redundant brake control units.
3Reliability
If an additional hydraulic brake device is provided as a fall-back level, then operational reliability is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing controller is made multi-functional to handle both original vehicle tasks and brake system control. Since the controller hardware already exists in the vehicle, no additional weight-bearing components are required, thus improving reliability without increasing vehicle weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's existing controller infrastructure is leveraged to provide redundant brake control capability. This eliminates the need for additional physical hardware that would contribute to vehicle weight, achieving reliability improvements through software-based redundancy rather than hardware additions.
4Reliability
If an additional hydraulic brake device is provided as a fall-back level, then operational reliability is improved, but structural space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing controller is programmed to perform dual functions: original vehicle control and brake system management. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated brake control units and their associated hydraulic components, improving reliability without requiring additional structural space in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the already-installed controller to provide fall-back brake control capability. Since no additional hardware is installed, no extra structural space is required, achieving space-efficient redundancy through software programming of existing components.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake-by-wire brake system for a vehicle having at least two wheels which can be braked is specified. The brake system comprises at least two brake actuator units, which each have a brake actuator assigned to one of the wheels, which can be braked, for the purposes of braking the vehicle during driving operation. The brake system furthermore comprises a driver brake actuation unit for actuation by the driver for a braking operation, having at least one sensor for detecting an activation of the driver brake actuation unit by the driver, and at least one electronic control unit which is configured to activate one or both brake actuator units in order to impart a braking force to an associated wheel, wherein the driver brake actuation unit is coupled, for transmission of signals, to the at least one electronic control unit. The driver_brake actuation unit has an interface for a controller that is independent of the brake system. A vehicle having a brake system, and a method for operating a brake system, are also specified.