Failsafe EV Control Architecture With Mechanical Backup Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern devices, particularly transportation vehicles, have become increasingly complex and fragile due to reliance on digital computer systems, making them vulnerable to sudden failures and catastrophic accidents, with limited redundancy in mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating critical systems with both digital and non-digital components, allowing them to function in a minimal performance mode even when digital control systems fail, ensuring basic functionality through mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If digital computer systems are used to control essential functions, then device power and efficiency are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to sudden complete failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into separate functional modules (throttle control, steering control, brake control) rather than using a single centralized computer system. Each module can fail independently without causing complete system failure, thus improving reliability while maintaining digital control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates backup mechanical systems (cable-operated throttle control, manual steering linkage, hydraulic brake systems) that can take over when digital systems fail. These backup systems are prepared in advance to cushion against the harmful effect of digital system failures.
2Productivity
If centralized computer control systems are used, then device efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases leading to fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent modules for different functions (throttle, steering, brakes). Each module has its own simple microcontroller rather than one complex centralized system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficiency through coordinated operation of modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control module is designed to be self-contained with its own sensors, processors, and actuators, allowing it to operate independently. This self-service capability reduces the complexity of inter-module communication and control while maintaining overall system efficiency.
3Power
If mechanical systems are replaced with digital control systems, then device power is improved, but safety deteriorates due to lack of gradual degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent retains traditional mechanical systems (cable-operated throttle, manual steering linkage, hydraulic brakes) as backup mechanisms that can be activated when digital systems fail. These mechanical backups provide gradual degradation paths rather than sudden catastrophic failures, cushioning against harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mechanical linkages and hydraulic systems as intermediary mechanisms between the driver and vehicle control functions. These intermediaries provide tactile feedback and mechanical fail-safes that prevent complete loss of control, mediating between digital commands and physical vehicle responses.
Data Source
AI summary
A failsafe EV automobile being capable of basic operations, including a starting operation, an electrical motor propulsion operation, a battery operation, a steering operation, a stopping operation, and a lighting operation. The automobile including an electronic system controlled by a computer and/or microprocessor. The basic operations of the automobile having two different modes of operation: a normal performance mode of each of the basic operations of the automobile, the normal performance mode being performed with control by the electronic system and an emergency performance mode of each of the basic operations of the automobile, the emergency performance mode being performed without any control by the electronic system. Each emergency performance mode of the basic operations of the automobile being configured to perform automatically by default when the electronic system fails to control the normal performance mode of that same basic operation of the automobile.