Distributed VCM Control for Fault-Tolerant Electric Vehicle Corners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems are limited in managing integrated mechanical and electrical sub-systems, particularly in modular axle-less wheel assemblies, requiring new control models for safe operation in both no-fault and fault conditions.
Innovation Solution
A control system for electric vehicles comprising a network of onboard VCM-controllers, each linked to drive, steering, and braking sub-systems, allowing inter-VCM communication and regulation, enabling actuation of sub-systems across multiple VCMs and adaptive fault-responsive operating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a centralized control system is used to manage multiple sub-systems, then coordination and control efficiency are improved, but system complexity and fault propagation risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distributed VCM-controllers, each managing specific sub-systems within individual VCMs. This segmentation allows localized control decisions while maintaining overall coordination, reducing the complexity burden on any single controller and limiting fault propagation to specific segments rather than the entire system.
2Reliability
If each VCM-controller manages only its own VCM sub-systems, then control simplicity and reliability are improved, but coordinated control capability across multiple VCMs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each VCM-controller is designed with multi-functionality, capable of managing both its own VCM's sub-systems and assisting in the control of other VCMs when needed. This universal capability allows the system to maintain simple localized control under normal conditions while adapting to provide coordinated control across multiple VCMs when fault conditions or performance optimization requires it.
3Reliability
If redundant control paths are implemented across VCMs, then fault tolerance and safety are improved, but communication complexity and response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes communication pathways and control protocols between VCM-controllers before faults occur. Redundant control paths are configured in advance, allowing controllers to know which backup paths to use without real-time calculation delays. This preliminary preparation ensures that when faults occur, the switch to redundant paths happens rapidly with minimal response time penalty.
Data Source
AI summary
Novel electric vehicles are disclosed herein. In addition, a control system for an electric vehicle comprising a plurality of vehicle corner modules (VCMs) comprises a network of VCM-controllers. Each VCM comprises at least two subsystems selected from a drive subsystem, a steering subsystem, and a braking subsystem. Each VCM-controller is onboard and installed within a different respective VCM, and is operatively linked to each one of the at least two subsystems of its respective VCM to receive sensor data and to regulate operation in response to incoming signals received from outside its VCM. The control system provides a no-fault operating mode defined by the absence of a control-system fault. 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.