Vehicle Corner Module Control for Cross-VCM Fault Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems are limited in integrating and managing multiple sub-systems such as drivetrain, braking, and steering, particularly in modular axle-less wheel assemblies, requiring new control models for safe vehicle operation in fault and no-fault conditions.
Innovation Solution
A network of VCM-controllers is installed within each vehicle corner module (VCM) to regulate actuation of multiple sub-systems, allowing for coordinated operation in no-fault modes and fault-responsive modes, with each controller communicating and coordinating with other VCMs to ensure safe vehicle function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a network of VCM-controllers is implemented to enable cross-VCM coordination in no-fault mode, then vehicle performance and safety are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distributed VCM-controllers, each responsible for specific sub-systems within its own VCM and potentially other VCMs. This segmentation allows for localized control decisions while maintaining overall system coordination, enhancing safety without requiring a fully centralized complex control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
VCM-controllers are designed with multi-functionality to regulate not only sub-systems within their own VCM but also sub-systems in other VCMs. This universal capability allows a single controller to perform multiple control functions across different vehicle corner modules, improving reliability through redundancy while managing complexity through functional integration.
2Productivity
If VCM-controllers regulate sub-systems in other VCMs during no-fault operation, then coordinated control is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The VCM-controllers operate autonomously based on pre-established control logic and sensor data from their respective VCMs and other VCMs. Each controller independently makes coordination decisions without requiring manual intervention or complex external management, achieving efficient coordinated control while maintaining operational simplicity through self-service capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system is provided for a vehicle that includes a plurality of vehicle corner modules (VCMs) which each comprise at least two of: a drive subsystem, a steering subsystem, and a braking subsystem. The control system comprises a network of VCM-controllers that are onboard and installed within a different respective VCM and that are operatively linked to each one of the subsystems of its respective VCM to receive therefrom sensor data and to regulate operation thereof in response to incoming signals received from outside its respective VCM. The control system provides a no-fault operating mode defined by the absence of a control-system fault, and a VCM-controller of a first VCM is programmed to control, when operating in the no-fault operating mode, at least one subsystem in a second VCM.