Redundant Steering via Secondary Brake Control Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering systems in autonomous vehicles lack redundancy to ensure safe handling in fallback conditions, as existing redundant braking systems are limited in their steering capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A redundant steering system powered by components of a redundant brake system, where a secondary brake control module activates upon primary steering system failure, using hydraulic motors and fluid conduits to control steering knuckles and brake units for turning and braking operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a redundant braking system is used for steering control, then the system provides backup steering capability upon primary steering failure, but the steering capabilities are severely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments steering control into two independent pathways: primary electronic steering control and secondary brake-based steering control. Each pathway can operate independently, allowing the vehicle to maintain steering functionality even when one system fails. The brake units are individually controlled to achieve differential braking for steering purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system is designed to serve multiple functions: primary function as a braking system and secondary function as a steering control system. The brake units can perform both deceleration and steering operations, eliminating the need for a completely separate redundant steering system and providing versatile functionality from a single system architecture.
2Reliability
If the secondary brake control module controls both brake units and hydraulic motor, then the system achieves full redundancy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the secondary brake control module with control of the hydraulic motor, combining two control functions into a single control unit. This integration reduces the number of separate control components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining full redundancy capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary brake control module is designed to perform multiple functions: controlling brake units for steering purposes and controlling the hydraulic motor for braking purposes. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated control modules, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining 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
Ensures safe vehicle handling by enabling the steering system to maintain control and navigate through turns and straight paths even when the primary steering system fails, ensuring the vehicle can continue operating autonomously with reduced risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary brake control module for controlling fluid pressure in the brake system independently of the primary brake control module, and a plurality of brake units controlled by the primary brake control module or the secondary brake control module
Implementation Method 2
There is at least one hydraulic motor, and the fluid pressure in the hydraulic motor is controlled by the secondary brake control module. A steering system is used for steering a plurality of wheels of the vehicle, and the hydraulic motor is connected to a component of the steering system
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering system which is capable of being controlled by a redundant brake system, which includes a primary brake control module, a secondary brake control module, and a plurality of brake units controlled by the primary brake control module or the secondary brake control module. There is at least one hydraulic motor connected to a component of the steering system, and the fluid pressure in the hydraulic motor is controlled by the secondary brake control module. The wheels of the steering system are configured to make a right-hand turn when the secondary brake control module operates the hydraulic motor during a first mode of operation, and the wheels of the steering system are configured to make a left-hand turn when the secondary brake control module operates the hydraulic motor during a second mode of operation.