Modular Vehicle Control Using Module Condition Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle manufacturing methods result in inflexible vehicles designed for specific purposes, leading to the need for multiple vehicles and increased costs, while existing solutions for reconfigurable vehicles lack effective autonomous operation and safety controls.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a vehicle assembled from modules, including a drive module and functional modules, which allows for autonomous operation by receiving and evaluating data on module conditions to prevent potential problems, enabling safe operation and flexible vehicle configuration without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicles are manufactured for specific purposes with fixed configurations, then each vehicle can reliably perform its designated function, but multiple vehicles are required for different purposes, increasing fleet size and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into separate functional modules (cargo module, passenger module, drive module) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the same drive module to be combined with different functional modules to create vehicles for different purposes, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated vehicles while maintaining reliable performance for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive module is designed as a universal component that can operate with multiple types of functional modules. The standardized interfaces and communication protocols enable the same drive module to reliably power different vehicle configurations (truck, bus, snowplough) without requiring purpose-built designs, thus achieving both reliability and versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modules are dynamically assembled and disassembled for different functions, then vehicle versatility and cost-efficiency improve, but autonomous operation and safety control become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously receives data from sensors and communication systems in each module, evaluating the current vehicle configuration and module conditions. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adapt control parameters and safety protocols based on the assembled configuration, managing complexity through intelligent response rather than hard-coded control logic for every possible arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device autonomously manages the vehicle operation based on data received from modules, without requiring external intervention for configuration changes. The system self-adjusts to the current module assembly through automated evaluation and control, reducing the operational complexity burden on users while maintaining safe and efficient vehicle performance.
3Productivity
If autonomous operation is implemented in modular vehicles, then manual assembly requirements are reduced and operational efficiency improves, but safety risks increase without proper monitoring and control
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary evaluation of module data and communication status before authorizing autonomous operation. By checking module conditions, interface connections, and system readiness in advance, the system prevents unsafe autonomous operation from initiating, thus maintaining high productivity while ensuring operational safety through proactive risk assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
During autonomous operation, the control device continuously monitors module performance and communication data, enabling real-time detection of anomalies or safety issues. This ongoing feedback allows the system to maintain safe operation by automatically responding to changing conditions, ensuring that productivity gains from automation do not compromise operational safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a vehicle (1) assembled from a set of modules (20). The vehicle (1) includes: at least one drive module (30); and at least one functional module (40). The at least one drive module (30) has a pair of wheels (32) and is configured to autonomously operate and drive the assembled vehicle (1) wherein the modules (30, 40, 70, 80) of the vehicle (1) are configured to communicate with the control device (100). The method includes: receiving (s101) data from the modules (30, 40, 70, 80) of the vehicle (1), wherein the data includes a value of at least one parameter associated with a current condition of the modules (30, 40, 70, 80); evaluating (s102) the received data by comparing the value of the at least one parameter with a predetermined value or value interval for the at least one parameter; and controlling (s103) the vehicle (1) based on the evaluation.