Dual-Processor EPB Control Unit Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric parking brake (EPB) systems in motor vehicles lack redundancy and cost-effectiveness, which can compromise system safety and increase costs, especially in brake systems.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle control unit with two processor systems, one configured to control EPB actuators in a redundant manner, including a changeover device to enable operation via either processor system, along with monitoring devices to ensure functionality and switch control in case of failure, allowing for partial or full control of EPB actuators even if one processor system fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate EPB control unit is used, then system safety and redundancy are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the EPB control functionality with the transmission control unit by integrating a second processor system into the transmission control unit. This allows the transmission control unit to control both transmission functions and EPB actuators, eliminating the need for a separate EPB control unit while maintaining redundancy through the dual-processor architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the transmission system and simultaneously controls the EPB actuators through its second processor system. This multi-functional approach reduces the overall number of control units in the vehicle while maintaining system safety and redundancy
2Reliability
If a separate EPB control unit is used, then redundancy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the EPB control functionality with the transmission control unit, utilizing existing hardware resources. The second processor system within the transmission control unit handles EPB control tasks, eliminating the need for additional dedicated hardware and reducing overall system cost while maintaining redundancy
3Device complexity
If processor systems are integrated into existing control units, then cost is reduced, but reliability may worsen due to increased load
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission control unit is segmented into multiple processor systems: a first processor system dedicated to transmission control and a second processor system dedicated to EPB control. This segmentation isolates control tasks, preventing interference between functions and maintaining reliability while sharing hardware resources to reduce cost
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle control unit. The control unit comprises a first processor system, which is designed to control an actuator of an electric parking brake and at least one additional motor vehicle function unit. A second processor system of the control unit is designed to control the at least one actuator in an at least partially redundant manner to the first processor system. Furthermore, there is a changeover device, which is designed to enable an activation of the at least one actuator either via the first processor system or the second processor system.