Vehicle Braking System Switchover Unit for Fail-Safe Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle braking systems lack fail-safe performance, particularly in automatic braking interventions, as they rely on a single control unit and sensor signal transmission, which can fail or be disrupted, compromising autonomous driving capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a braking system includes a controllable booster unit with independent actuation and a switchover unit that redirects sensor signals to a secondary control unit in case of failure, ensuring continuous braking operation by switching control to an alternative unit and power source, enabling autonomous or automatic braking even if the primary control unit fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single control unit is used for braking system control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential failures compromising autonomous driving capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The braking control system is segmented into multiple independent control units (primary brake control unit and secondary brake control unit), each capable of independently processing sensor signals and controlling the booster unit. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even if one control unit fails, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of control unit activation from a single static unit to a dynamic switching mechanism. The switchover unit monitors the operational status of the primary control unit and dynamically switches control signals to the secondary control unit when failure is detected, enabling the system to adapt to failure conditions and maintain reliable operation.
2Reliability
If a switchover unit with secondary control unit is added for fail-safe operation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A switchover unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor and the control units. This switchover unit monitors the operational status of the primary control unit and automatically redirects sensor signals to the secondary control unit when failure is detected. The intermediary handles the complexity of failure detection and switching, allowing the main control architecture to remain relatively simple while achieving high reliability.
3Reliability
If the sensor signal transmission path is simplified, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to vulnerable signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The signal transmission path is made dynamic rather than static. The switchover unit continuously monitors the operational status of the primary control unit and dynamically adjusts the signal routing path. When the primary control unit is operational, signals flow through the normal path; when failure is detected, the switchover unit dynamically redirects signals to the secondary control unit, ensuring robust transmission without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for furnishing a sensor signal in a braking system, in which in the event of a failure of the brake control unit signal transfer is switched over and the signal is transmitted to a further control unit.