Shared Actuator Line Control for Redundant Brake Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automated or autonomous vehicle systems, the integration of redundant pressure control valves is hindered by limited installation space and complex wiring, making it costly and impractical to double the number of valves for redundancy, which is essential for safety-critical systems like EBS and ABS.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize two control devices to safely and efficiently control an actuator by ensuring only one control signal is output at a time, with the second control device monitoring the line to suppress its output during the first control signal's transmission and applying its signal only when the first is absent, thereby preventing simultaneous control signals and optimizing diagnostic capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of pressure control valves is doubled to create redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control devices (first and second control devices) share a common communication line and control a single actuator through coordinated signal transmission. The control devices merge their control functions by detecting each other's signals and suppressing simultaneous output, allowing redundancy without duplicating physical actuators or wiring harnesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication line serves multiple functions: it transmits control signals from either control device to the actuator, carries diagnostic test pulses for actuator monitoring, and enables mutual detection between control devices to prevent signal conflicts. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated wiring for each control device.
2Reliability
If the number of pressure control valves is doubled to create redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but installation space availability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second control devices share the same physical actuator and communication infrastructure, merging what would traditionally require separate installation spaces. By coordinating signal output through detection and suppression mechanisms, the system achieves redundancy while using a single actuator mounting location and shared wiring harness, dramatically reducing installation space requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple control devices share a common line to control an actuator, then ease of manufacture is improved, but control signal interference worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Each control device preliminarily detects the presence of control signals or test pulses from the other control device on the shared communication line before outputting its own control signal. This preliminary detection and subsequent suppression of simultaneous signal output prevents control signal interference and actuator conflicts, ensuring safe and reliable operation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control devices continuously monitor the communication line for signals from the other control device and provide feedback by suppressing their own signal output when detection occurs. This feedback mechanism prevents harmful signal interference while allowing both control devices to safely share the common communication infrastructure for actuator control and diagnostics.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling at least one actuator of an actuator system, including: outputting a first control signal from a first control device via a line to an actuator, wherein the actuator system has at least the first control device and a second control device, wherein the first control device is configured to control at least the actuator via the line and wherein the second control device is configured to control the actuator via the line; detecting the first control signal on the line by the second control device and suppressing the output of a second control signal to the actuator by the second control device during a time in which the first control device is outputting the first control signal to the line; determining a time by the second control device at which no first control signal is present on the line; and applying to the actuator a second control signal via the line by the second control device if no first control signal is present on the line. Also described are a related apparatus and a computer readable medium.