Dynamic Controller Function Allocation for Fault-Tolerant Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fault-tolerant control systems face inefficiencies in resource utilization due to fixed redundancy modes, leading to suboptimal utilization of controllers and increased costs, as they do not dynamically adjust resource usage based on operational modes.

Innovation Solution

A system architecture and switching protocol that reconfigures controller functions based on mode requirements, utilizing a lookup table to allocate functions and determine utilization rates, allowing for multi-mode re-allocation of function execution to minimize controller utilization and achieve cost-efficient architectures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed redundancy modes are used in fault-tolerant control systems, then safety functions are ensured, but resource utilization becomes suboptimal and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety functionVSAvoidresource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts redundancy allocation based on operational mode. The controller transitions between different redundancy configurations (e.g., from 1oo2 to 1oo1) depending on the current operational requirements, allowing the system to optimize resource utilization while maintaining necessary safety levels for each specific mode of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the redundancy parameter (number of required controllers) based on operational mode. By defining different minimum controller utilization rates for different operational modes, the system adapts its safety redundancy level to match the actual risk and functional requirements of each mode, thereby improving overall resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If additional backup controllers are used to ensure safe operation continuation, then fault tolerance is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault toleranceVSAvoidcontroller configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic redundancy allocation where the number of active controllers is adjusted based on operational mode. During normal operation, full redundancy may be maintained, but during non-critical modes, the system can reduce to minimal redundancy, thereby reducing complexity and cost while maintaining adequate fault tolerance for each specific operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed to perform multiple functions across different operational modes. The same physical controller can serve as a primary controller in one mode and as a backup or standby controller in another mode, eliminating the need for dedicated backup hardware and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If controllers are allocated for all possible operational modes, then all safety requirements are met, but utilization rate increases and costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety requirementVSAvoidcontroller utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the utilization rate parameter based on operational mode. Each operational mode has a defined minimum controller utilization rate that reflects its safety requirements. The controller allocation is adjusted to meet only the necessary utilization threshold for the current mode, avoiding over-provisioning and reducing energy consumption and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If redundancy allocation is optimized for one operational mode, then resource efficiency improves, but other operational modes may not meet safety requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoidsafety requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically reconfigures redundancy allocation when transitioning between operational modes. Each mode has pre-defined minimum utilization rates that ensure safety requirements are met. The controller automatically adjusts its configuration to satisfy the specific safety threshold of the active mode while optimizing resource efficiency for that mode, and repeats this process when modes change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10102085B2Coordinated multi-mode allocation and runtime switching for systems with dynamic fault-tolerance requirements

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A method for dynamically re-allocating controller functions based on minimizing utilization. A lookup table is generated based on functions and mode of operations. Each entry in the lookup table includes a number of executions required for a respective function in a respective mode of operation. Functions for execution to the controllers are assigned based on the number of executions for a function of an entry of a respective mode of operation. A utilization rate is determined for each controller in each mode of operation. Utilization rates of the various modes of operation are compared for each of the controllers. Matching utilization rates are identified between controllers of different modes of operations. A multi-mode re-allocation of function execution in the controller is coordinated by switching a set of pre-allocated functions between different controllers within a respective mode of operation to reduce the utilization rate of at least one controller.