Hybrid Drive-by-Wire Control Transfer for Moving Track Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive by wire (DbW) systems for vehicles with multiple driver stations lack safety and reliability, particularly during transitions between stations, as they require vehicles to stop before switching control, which is impractical for military vehicles, and existing solutions do not adequately address mechanical and electrical control transitions or include necessary safeguards.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid DbW system with multiple driver stations that uses a platform manager to confirm synchronized parking brake settings and a transmission control module to check for shutdown faults before enabling a secondary or tertiary driver station, allowing transitions while the vehicle is moving, incorporating hydro-mechanical and electric controls, and including an emergency brake valve for enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional DbW systems require vehicle to stop before transitioning between driver stations, then safety and reliability are improved, but operational efficiency and practicality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary safety checks and synchronizes brake settings before allowing transition between driver stations. The platform manager verifies brake synchronization and system readiness in advance, enabling safe transitions without requiring complete vehicle stoppage.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition system dynamically adapts its safety requirements based on vehicle operating conditions. When brake settings are synchronized and conditions are met, transitions can occur during motion; when conditions are not met, the system automatically requires a stop before transition, making the safety protocol flexible rather than rigid.
2Device complexity
If multiple driver stations are implemented without hybrid control systems, then system complexity is reduced, but safety and reliability during control transitions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges hydro-mechanical and electrical control systems into a hybrid architecture. This combination allows the electrical DbW system to handle normal operations while the hydro-mechanical system provides redundant safety backup during transitions, achieving enhanced reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform manager acts as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple driver stations and the hybrid control systems. It manages the complex interactions during transitions, verifying brake synchronization and coordinating control transfer, thereby simplifying the overall system management while ensuring safety.
3Reliability
If strict brake synchronization requirements are enforced during station transitions, then control reliability is improved, but transition flexibility and operational speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Brake synchronization is performed as a preliminary action before transition is permitted. The platform manager verifies brake settings are synchronized in advance, allowing transitions to proceed quickly once the condition is met, rather than requiring time-consuming adjustments during the transition process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transition parameters based on brake synchronization status. When brakes are synchronized, the system permits faster transitions; when not synchronized, it automatically enforces a stop condition. This parameter-based control ensures reliability while minimizing unnecessary time losses.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for utilizing multiple driver stations in a track vehicle is described. A primary driver station can utilize controls with hybrid drive by wire (DbW) functionality (i.e. hydro-mechanical and electric control). A secondary driver station and a tertiary driver station can utilize controls with DbW (i.e. electronic) control systems. The secondary and tertiary driver stations can be adapted for autonomous driving. The invention also includes a method of transfer between driver stations with safeguards for safety and reliability.