Remote Vehicle Stop Actuation for Autonomous Emergency Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles lack an effective independent emergency stop system that can safely and reliably bring the vehicle to a halt, especially when errant behavior is detected, independent of the vehicle's control systems and without an operator on board.
Innovation Solution
A remote stop system comprising a remote stop actuator and controller that can be activated externally to cease engine power and apply brakes, using a wireless control signal to disconnect the engine from its power source and engage the braking system, with redundant circuits for reliability and independent operation from the vehicle's autonomous systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles operate without an operator on board, then vehicle automation and operational efficiency are improved, but the ability to safely stop the vehicle in emergency situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote stop actuator as an intermediary device that enables external operators to stop autonomous vehicles. The actuator receives wireless control signals from remote operators and translates them into physical actions (stopping the engine and applying brakes), serving as a mediator between the autonomous vehicle system and external human intervention when errant behavior is detected
Solution Approach 2:
The remote stop system is segmented into independent components: a remote stop actuator installed on the vehicle, a wireless control signal transmission system, and an independent control circuit that operates separately from the vehicle's autonomous control systems. This segmentation ensures that the emergency stop function remains independent and reliable even when the autonomous control systems fail
2Reliability
If the remote stop system uses independent circuits separate from vehicle control systems, then reliability and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote stop function is extracted as a separate, independent system from the vehicle's autonomous control systems. The actuator has its own dedicated control circuits that are physically and functionally separated from the main vehicle control architecture, ensuring that the emergency stop capability does not depend on the reliability of the autonomous control systems
3Reliability
If the remote stop actuator continuously transmits control signals, then vehicle control reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous transmission, the remote stop actuator uses periodic or on-demand signal transmission. The control signal is transmitted continuously during normal operation to maintain readiness, but can be ceased when the vehicle is properly stopped, reducing energy consumption while maintaining control reliability when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A method for remotely stopping a vehicle configured to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously. The method includes providing a remote stop system, applying a control signal to the vehicle with the remote stop system, observing an errant behavior of the vehicle, and actuating the remote stop system after observing the errant behavior. The method includes ceasing applying the control signal based on actuating the remote stop system. The method includes stopping the vehicle due to actuating the remote stop system. Actuating the remote stop system, and thus, causing the vehicle to stop, occurs at a location exterior to the vehicle.