Shared Wheel Speed Sensing for Redundant Brake Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle control systems require two wheel speed sensors per wheel, leading to reduced layout flexibility and increased costs due to the need for redundant sensor arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle control apparatus where a first braking instruction portion and a second braking instruction portion are electrically connected to the same wheel speed sensor, allowing for redundant wheel speed detection without the need for additional sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two wheel speed sensors are installed per wheel for redundant detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel speed detection reliabilityVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single wheel speed sensor performs multiple functions by serving both the first brake control device and the second brake control device. The sensor's output signal is distributed to both control devices through wiring harnesses, enabling one sensor to provide redundant detection capability for multiple braking systems without requiring duplicate sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the wheel speed detection function for both brake control devices into a single sensor unit. Instead of having separate sensors for each control device, the detection function is consolidated into one sensor whose signal is then distributed to multiple controllers, reducing the total number of sensors while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If two wheel speed sensors are installed per wheel for redundant detection, then detection reliability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel speed detection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single wheel speed sensor performs multiple functions by serving both the first brake control device and the second brake control device. The sensor's output signal is distributed to both control devices through wiring harnesses, enabling one sensor to provide redundant detection capability for multiple braking systems without requiring duplicate sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of duplicating the physical sensor, the patent creates a signal copy that is distributed from the single sensor to multiple control devices. The electrical signal from the sensor is replicated and sent to both brake control devices, providing redundant detection capability without the cost of additional sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If two wheel speed sensors are installed per wheel for redundant detection, then detection reliability is improved, but layout flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel speed detection reliabilityVSAvoidlayout flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A single wheel speed sensor performs multiple functions by serving both the first brake control device and the second brake control device. The sensor's output signal is distributed to both control devices through wiring harnesses, enabling one sensor to provide redundant detection capability for multiple braking systems without requiring duplicate sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12202459B2Vehicle control apparatus and vehicle control system

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 ASTEMO LTD

AI summary

A vehicle control apparatus includes a first ECU electrically connected to a wheel speed sensor and a second ECU electrically connected to the wheel speed sensor.