Drive-By-Wire Redundant Sensing With Threshold-Based Sensor Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing redundant electronic control unit systems in automotive applications, such as brake-by-wire and steering-by-wire, are costly and prone to errors due to the need for multiple sensors and control units, which can lead to increased complexity and risk of failure when one unit short circuits, affecting others.
Innovation Solution
A redundant sensing system that minimizes the number of sensors and electronic control units by using buffer arrays to ensure data consistency and automatic switching to operational units, allowing the system to operate within predetermined threshold ranges, thereby reducing errors and maintaining functionality even if individual sensors or control units fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors and electronic control units are used for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electronic control units into a single integrated control unit that contains multiple independent processing channels. Each channel can independently process data from different sensors, allowing the system to maintain redundancy while reducing the total number of separate control units and sensors required.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit is designed with multi-functional capability, where a single control unit can perform the functions of multiple dedicated control units through its multiple processing channels. This universal design allows one control unit to handle data from multiple sensors and provide redundant control functions.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors and electronic control units are used for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electronic control units into a single integrated control unit that contains multiple independent processing channels. Each channel can independently process data from different sensors, allowing the system to maintain redundancy while reducing the total number of separate control units and sensors required.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit is designed with multi-functional capability, where a single control unit can perform the functions of multiple dedicated control units through its multiple processing channels. This universal design allows one control unit to handle data from multiple sensors and provide redundant control functions.
3Reliability
If electronic control units are arranged in parallel configuration for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to short circuit risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electronic control units into a single integrated control unit that contains multiple independent processing channels. Each channel can independently process data from different sensors, allowing the system to maintain redundancy while reducing the total number of separate control units and sensors required.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein are directed to a redundant sensing system that includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and an electronic control unit. The first sensor is configured to output a first data indicative of a position data and the second sensor is configured to output a second data indicative of the position data. The electronic control unit is configured to determine whether the first data is within a first predetermined threshold range. When the first data is outside of the first predetermined threshold range, determine whether the second data is within a second predetermined threshold range. The electronic control unit is configured to control the redundant sensing system to operate with the second sensor when the first data is outside of the first predetermined threshold range and the second data is within the second predetermined threshold range.