Dual ECU Braking System Wireless Relay Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current braking systems in combination vehicles, such as trucks and trailers, may experience communication failures during platooning, which can lead to safety risks due to delayed or incomplete braking responses when the lead vehicle brakes suddenly.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle braking system with dual electronic control units (ECUs) and wireless receivers/transmitters, allowing for redundant data transmission and control signal relay between the tractor and trailer, ensuring simultaneous braking responses even if primary communication fails, utilizing a CAN data bus or hard-wired connection for electrical control signals and pressurized fluid actuators for braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single wireless signal receiver is used in each braking ECU for receiving braking data from further vehicles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential communication failures during platooning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual wireless signal receiver system where each braking ECU is equipped with two independent receivers (first and second receivers) that can receive braking data from further vehicles through different communication pathways. This redundant configuration ensures that if one receiver or communication channel fails, the other can still provide braking information, thereby cushioning against communication failures and maintaining system reliability during platooning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication system between braking ECUs and further vehicles, using dual receivers to mediate the transmission of braking data. This intermediary layer provides alternative communication routes that can bypass failures in the primary communication channel, ensuring continuous flow of braking information even when direct communication is compromised
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used for transmitting braking data between vehicles in a platoon, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential signal transmission failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements redundant wireless communication pathways with dual receivers in each braking ECU to cushion against potential wireless signal failures. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if the primary wireless communication channel fails, the secondary channel is already in place to maintain braking data transmission, thus preserving reliability while keeping the wireless operation convenient
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter by implementing multiple independent wireless communication channels (first and second receivers) that can operate in parallel or as backups. This parameter change from single-channel to multi-channel communication increases the probability of successful data transmission while maintaining the ease of wireless operation
3Reliability
If the second braking ECU is programmed to relay braking data from the first wireless receiver to the first braking ECU, then the reliability is improved through data redundancy, but the device complexity increases due to additional programming and communication pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designates the second braking ECU as an intermediary that relays braking data received from the first wireless receiver to the first braking ECU. This intermediary function creates an additional data pathway that enhances reliability through redundancy, as the braking control system can receive braking information through multiple routes (direct to first ECU or relayed through second ECU), albeit with increased programming complexity
4Reliability
If simultaneous braking control is implemented across all vehicles in a platoon, then the safety is improved by reducing collision risk, but the loss of time increases due to the need for coordinated communication and response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the second braking ECU pre-programmed to receive and relay braking data, and by establishing dual wireless receiver pathways in advance. This preliminary setup ensures that when braking events occur, the redundant communication channels are already active and can immediately transmit braking information, reducing the coordination time while maintaining simultaneous braking control across the platoon for enhanced safety
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle braking system comprising a first braking electronic control unit (ECU) which is operable to control the operation of a first set of vehicle brakes, a second braking electronic control unit (ECU) which is operable to control the operation of a second set of vehicle brakes, and a first connection between the first and second braking ECUs by means of which an electrical braking control signal may be transmitted between the first and second braking ECUs, the first braking ECU being provided with a first wireless signal receiver by means of which data from a further vehicle concerning the braking of the further vehicle may be received, wherein the second braking ECU is provided with a second wireless signal receiver by means of which data from a further vehicle concerning the braking of the further vehicle may be received, and is programmed to, in the event of a failure of the first wireless signal receiver, transmit either the data received from the further vehicle or information or instructions based on the data received from the further vehicle, to the first braking ECU via the first connection.