Redundant Parking Brake Valve Control for Autonomous Utility Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking brake systems for utility vehicles lack the necessary redundancy and electronic control mechanisms to effectively manage the transition to partially self-driving or autonomous trucks, where reliable braking systems are critical for safety and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A parking brake device with at least one first connector to a compressed air source, a second connector to a compressed air source, an electronically actuatable bistable valve assembly for the spring brake cylinders, and a redundancy control valve assembly, along with independent control electronics modules to ensure continued operation even in case of electronic system failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single electronic control system is used for the parking brake device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the system cannot operate independently in case of electronic failures
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent control units (first control unit and second control unit), each capable of independently controlling the parking brake device. This segmentation allows the system to maintain braking functionality even if one control unit fails, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through functional division
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a redundant control architecture where a second control unit is prepared in advance to take over if the first control unit fails. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the system is already protected against electronic failures before they occur, maintaining reliability without requiring complex real-time switching mechanisms
2Reliability
If redundant control systems are implemented, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple control units and connector lines
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system is divided into separate, modular control units with distinct functions. Each control unit has its own processor and can operate independently, which simplifies the overall architecture compared to a monolithic complex system while achieving the desired redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
Different control units are assigned different levels of control functionality based on their reliability requirements. The first control unit handles normal operation, while the second control unit is specifically designed for fail-safe operation, creating local quality differences that optimize the overall system without uniform complexity
3Reliability
If independent control units are used, then the reliability improves for autonomous operation, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple independent systems to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be self-managing, with the control units automatically switching between normal and fail-safe modes without requiring driver intervention. The system monitors its own status and autonomously activates the appropriate control unit, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable autonomous braking
Solution Approach 2:
The fail-safe control unit is pre-configured with the necessary control algorithms and parameters for autonomous braking. When activated, it immediately takes over without requiring complex real-time configuration or driver input, thus maintaining operational simplicity while ensuring reliability
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
The solution provides a redundant braking system that can operate independently, ensuring reliable braking functions even when the electronic system fails, enhancing the safety and reliability of partially self-driving trucks by maintaining braking functionality without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first connector line to a compressed air source, at least one second connector line to a compressed air source
Data Source
AI summary
A parking brake device with at least one first connector line to a compressed air source and with at least one second connector line to a compressed air source, includes at least one electronically actuable bistable valve arrangement for the actuation of a spring brake cylinder and at least one further electronically actuable redundancy control valve arrangement for the actuation of a redundant brake system. At least one first control electronics module and at least one second control electronics module are provided which can be operated independently of one another. The bistable valve arrangement can be actuated via the first control electronics module, and, independently thereof, the redundancy control valve arrangement can be actuated via the second control electronics module.