Multi-Collision Brake Redundancy via Control Device Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle systems fail to initiate self-braking in the event of a first collision if the brake controller is damaged or isolated from the communications bus, leading to a risk of further collisions without protective measures for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A control device is introduced to monitor communications between the collision sensor unit and the brake controller, initiating self-braking redundantly if no response is detected from the brake controller, using an electromechanical brake force booster or switching the electrical machine into a generator mode to ensure multi-collision braking functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the brake controller is used as the sole component for initiating self-braking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of multi-collision braking deteriorates when the brake controller is damaged or isolated during the first collision
Solution Approach 1:
The self-braking initiation function is segmented between two independent components: the brake controller (ESC) and the control device (airbag control unit). This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability even if one component fails, as the other can still initiate self-braking based on collision sensor signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares redundant self-braking initiation capability before the collision occurs. Both the brake controller and control device are pre-configured to respond to collision sensor signals, ensuring that if the primary brake controller fails during collision, the secondary control device can still activate the self-braking function to prevent secondary collisions.
2Reliability
If a control device with redundant self-braking initiation capability is introduced, then the reliability of multi-collision braking is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device (airbag control unit) is given dual functionality: it continues to perform its primary airbag deployment function while also serving as a backup self-braking initiation device. This multi-functionality allows the system to gain redundancy without adding a completely separate dedicated controller, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the self-braking initiation capability into the existing control device that already manages airbag systems. By combining these functions in a single control unit rather than adding a separate dedicated controller, the system achieves redundancy while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures robust multi-collision braking by providing redundancy in the self-braking mechanism, preventing secondary collisions and maintaining vehicle stability even if the primary brake controller is non-responsive.
Implementation Method 1
switching the electrical machine into a generator mode to ensure multi-collision braking functionality
Implementation Method 2
using an electromechanical brake force booster to ensure multi-collision braking functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A method for triggering self-braking in a motor vehicle, in which following a first collision during an accident a self-braking request signal is transmitted to a brake controller by a collision sensor unit by a communications device of the motor vehicle. The multi-collision braking requested should be initiated in the event of damage to the brake controller that is caused by the first collision. The request signal is received by a control device of the motor vehicle that is disposed at a distance from the brake controller. The control device then determines whether the brake controller responds to the request signal. If no response of the brake controller is detected, the self-braking is initiated by the control device.