Brake-by-Wire System Fault Tolerance via Segmented EBS Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brake-by-wire (BBW) systems lack robust fault tolerance mechanisms, particularly in ensuring reliable operation without direct mechanical linkages and hydraulic force-transmitting paths, which can lead to unreliable braking performance in the event of control signal, data, or hardware failures.
Innovation Solution
A fault-tolerant BBW system is designed with multiple brake assemblies and electrical power circuits located remotely, each driven by separate power circuits and controlled by distinct electronic brake system (EBS) controllers, allowing for redundant control and fault isolation to maintain braking functionality even in the presence of component failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a conventional hydraulic braking system is replaced with a brake-by-wire system to reduce mechanical linkages and improve vehicle weight, then system weight is reduced and design flexibility is improved, but fault tolerance and reliability deteriorate due to the absence of direct mechanical linkages and hydraulic force-transmitting paths
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is divided into multiple independent zones, each with its own EBS controller and power circuit. This segmentation ensures that a failure in one zone does not affect the others, maintaining fault tolerance while achieving weight reduction through the brake-by-wire architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the braking system have different control architectures - some brake assemblies are controlled by a first EBS controller while others are controlled by a second EBS controller. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain reliability through distributed control while achieving overall weight reduction.
2Reliability
If multiple EBS controllers and power circuits are introduced to improve fault tolerance, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent EBS controllers, each managing specific brake assemblies. This modular segmentation improves fault tolerance by isolating failures to specific segments while keeping each controller's complexity manageable through clear division of responsibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Each EBS controller is designed to perform multiple functions - it can control brake assemblies directly, communicate with other controllers, and operate independently if needed. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for specialized components for each function.
3Reliability
If electrical power circuits are located remotely from brake assemblies to improve fault isolation, then fault tolerance is improved, but control signal transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments power circuits and control signals into distinct zones corresponding to different brake assemblies. This spatial segmentation enables fault isolation - when a failure occurs, only the affected zone is impacted - while managing transmission complexity through organized, zone-based signal routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The EBS controllers act as intermediaries between the central control system and remotely located power circuits. These intermediaries simplify signal transmission by processing and managing communications locally, reducing the complexity of direct long-distance signal transmission while maintaining fault isolation capabilities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures reliable and flexible braking performance by providing redundant control pathways and fault isolation, reducing the risk of system failure and allowing for flexible design choices and braking algorithm implementation.
Implementation Method 1
Each brake assembly includes an electro-mechanical actuator configured to adjust a torque force applied to a wheel of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a plurality of brake assemblies and a plurality of electrical power circuits. Each brake assembly includes an electro-mechanical actuator configured to adjust a torque force applied to a wheel of the vehicle. The electrical power circuits are located remotely from one another. Each power circuit is configured to drive a respective actuator. The vehicle further includes a first electronic brake system (EBS) controller and a second EBS controller. The first EBS controller is configured to output a first data command signal to control a first group of power circuits among the plurality of power circuits. The second EBS controller is configured to output a second data command signal to control a second group of power circuits among the plurality of power circuits. The second group excludes the power circuits from the first group.