Nested Actuator Brake Shaft for Autonomous Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technologies face challenges in retrofitting manually-operable vehicles for autonomous control, particularly in managing brake systems, due to complexity, cost, and variability across different vehicle models, which complicates the transition while maintaining manual operation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A brake control system that includes a first brake pedal connected to a brake shaft with an actuator that expands and contracts in length, allowing for both manual and autonomous operation, with a controller using a microprocessor to control the actuator for autonomous braking, while maintaining compatibility with existing brake mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a brake control system with actuator is added to manually-operable vehicles for autonomous control, then autonomous control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is integrated within the existing brake shaft structure, with the actuator shaft nested inside the brake shaft. This allows the autonomous control system to be embedded within the existing manual brake system components, adding automation capability without substantially increasing overall system complexity or requiring separate independent brake actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake shaft is designed to serve dual functions: it operates as a manual brake control mechanism when the driver presses the brake pedal, and simultaneously serves as the actuator shaft for autonomous braking when controlled by the autonomous control system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for completely separate brake systems for manual and autonomous operation.
2Extent of automation
If brake system is modified for autonomous control, then autonomous operation is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between manual and autonomous control modes based on operational requirements. The brake shaft/actuator shaft can operate in manual mode when the driver presses the pedal, and in autonomous mode when controlled by the autonomous control system, allowing the system to adapt its operation mode without compromising either manual or autonomous ease of operation.
3Extent of automation
If extensive modifications are made to vehicle brake system, then autonomous control is achieved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous brake control system is implemented as a separate, modular unit consisting of the actuator, actuator shaft, and associated components that can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation allows the autonomous control system to be retrofitted onto existing vehicles without requiring modification of the entire brake system, thereby improving ease of manufacture and deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator components are nested within the existing brake shaft structure, allowing the autonomous control system to be integrated into the vehicle's existing brake infrastructure. This nesting approach minimizes the need for additional external components and reduces retrofit complexity compared to adding completely separate brake mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake control system and method for autonomous vehicle control that includes a first brake pedal connected to a first brake arm, the first brake arm is connected to a first brake shaft, the first brake shaft extends a length between an upper end and lower end and includes a first actuator that expands and contracts in length. The lower end of the first brake shaft is operably connected to a first brake mechanism. An autonomous control system having a controller with microprocessor, memory and instructions is connected and controls operation of the first actuator. When the first brake shaft expands in length the first brake mechanism is engaged by the lower end of the first brake shaft thereby applying the brakes. The first brake mechanism is operable by depressing the first brake pedal in manual operation mode as well as by controlling the first actuator in autonomous operation mode.