Vehicle Control Unit Takeover for Brake and Steering Faults
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle control systems require a reserve control device for both brake and steering functions, which increases installation space, weight, and costs, and are not adaptable to varying legal regulations regarding autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
A control system where two distinct control devices for different functions (braking and steering) are connected in a signal-transmitting manner, allowing an error-free control device to take over the faulty function without a central reserve, enabling seamless operation with reduced additional effort and adaptability to legal changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reserve control unit is provided for each control unit (brake and steering), then reliability is improved in case of fault, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes one control unit universal by enabling it to perform both its original function and the function of the faulty control unit. The control unit is designed with the capability to take over additional functions through software configuration rather than requiring dedicated hardware for each function, thus achieving multi-functionality without increasing device quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple control units into a single control unit by allowing it to assume multiple roles. Instead of having separate control units for each function with dedicated backups, the system combines control capabilities so that one control unit can manage multiple vehicle functions including taking over from faulty units.
2Reliability
If a reserve control unit is provided for each control unit, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing control units with universal capabilities, the patent eliminates the need for additional backup control units that would increase weight. The same control unit hardware can serve multiple functions through software reconfiguration, avoiding the weight penalty of duplicate hardware components.
3Manufacturing precision
If control units are designed with fixed functions, then manufacturing precision is easier to maintain, but adaptability to legal regulations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the control system, allowing control units to change their functional assignment based on operational needs and legal requirements. The control unit can dynamically assume different roles and functions through software configuration rather than being fixed at manufacturing, enabling adaptation to varying regulations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating universal control units that can perform multiple functions, the system gains flexibility to adapt to different legal regulations regarding autonomous driving. The same hardware platform can be configured for different levels of autonomy and control distributions without requiring physical modifications or remanufacturing.
4Reliability
If signal-transmitting connections are established between control units, then fault tolerance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism for error signal transmission between control units. Rather than requiring direct complex signaling infrastructure, the system uses a mediator approach where control units can communicate error states and functional requirements through standardized interfaces, simplifying the connection structure while maintaining reliable fault detection and response capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control system for a motor vehicle, comprising a first control unit (2) for controlling a first function of the motor vehicle, and a second control unit (4) for controlling a second function of the motor vehicle, wherein the first and the second control units (2, 4) are each connected to at least one sensor and/or to at least one actuator (6, 8) in a signal-transmitting manner. In order to ensure the proper execution of the functions of a motor vehicle that are controlled by means of control units (2, 4), with the lowest possible additional expenditure, even in the event of a faulty control unit (2, 4), it is proposed that depending on the input of an error signal from the first control unit (2) or the second control unit (4), the respective error-free control unit (2, 4) can be configured such that by means of the error-free control unit (2; 4), the function corresponding to the faulty control unit (4; 2) of the motor vehicle can be controlled. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle, to a method for controlling a motor vehicle, to a computer program product, and to a computer-readable medium.