Self-Driving Vehicle Restraint Diagnostic Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional occupant restraint systems in self-driving vehicles do not effectively detect and correct faults in safety belts until after a customer has entered the vehicle, leading to inconvenience and loss of time when issues are discovered.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic module is integrated with the analysis unit to perform a functional diagnostic of the occupant restraint system before each trip, using sensors like belt slot, strap, and extension sensors to detect faults, enabling proactive service actions such as service trips or staff requests to rectify issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a safety check is performed only after the customer has entered the vehicle, then the system structure remains simple, but customer convenience deteriorates and time loss increases when faults are detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary functional diagnostic check that executes before the customer enters the vehicle. The control unit performs self-diagnostics on safety belt sensors, buckles, and retractors during vehicle startup or idle periods, ensuring the restraint system is operational before customer boarding. This prevents post-entry fault detection and avoids customer time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The occupant restraint system performs autonomous self-diagnostics without requiring customer intervention. The control unit automatically tests sensor functionality, buckle engagement mechanisms, and retractor operations, then communicates results to the fleet management system. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual safety checks by service staff.
2Reliability
If a comprehensive functional diagnostic is performed before each trip, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system is segmented into modular functional tests: sensor functionality checks, buckle engagement tests, retractor operation verification, and communication system diagnostics. Each module independently tests specific components and reports results to the control unit, which aggregates them into an overall system status. This modular approach ensures comprehensive coverage while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives real-time feedback from various sensors and actuators during the diagnostic process. Test results are immediately processed to determine system readiness, and any faults trigger alerts to the fleet management system. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable fault detection while streamlining the diagnostic workflow through automated decision-making.
3Ease of operation
If faults are detected after the vehicle is made available to the customer, then the system remains simple to operate, but service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors diagnostic results and provides real-time feedback to the fleet management system via communication modules. When faults are detected during pre-trip diagnostics, the system automatically notifies service personnel and prevents the vehicle from being dispatched. This feedback loop maintains simple local operation while ensuring high service quality through centralized oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs autonomous fault detection and reporting without requiring customer or operator intervention. The control unit independently executes diagnostics, interprets results, and communicates status to the fleet management system. This self-service capability simplifies operation while maintaining service quality through automated quality control.
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant restraint system in a self-driving vehicle, in particular a robot taxi, for customer transport, wherein the occupant restraint system provides to the customer a restraint system that can be activated by the customer to be transported, and the occupant restraint system has an analysis unit via which a check is made in a safety check as to whether or not the restraint function is activated by the customer to be transported. The analysis unit prevents the vehicle from driving if an activated restraint function is absent. A diagnostic module, with which a functional diagnostic of the functionality of the occupant restraint system can be carried out independently of the safety check, is associated with the analysis unit. In the event that a fault is present, the diagnostic module initiates a suitable service action to remedy the fault.