Supplemental Brake Control for Autonomous Vehicle Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in designing and implementing multiple, independent braking systems, particularly for large vehicles like semi-trailer trucks, due to the complexity of closed-loop control and the need for stability during autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental braking management system is introduced, which includes a vehicle control unit, a supplemental braking subsystem with supplemental brakes at one or more wheels, and a supplemental braking management unit that monitors and regulates the primary braking subsystem to determine when additional braking is needed, thereby activating the supplemental brakes independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a supplemental braking subsystem is added to the autonomous vehicle, then the reliability and safety of braking is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is divided into two independent subsystems: a primary braking subsystem and a supplemental braking subsystem. Each subsystem has its own control module and can operate independently. The supplemental braking subsystem includes supplemental brakes at different locations on the vehicle than the primary brakes, allowing distributed braking force application and improved reliability through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental braking subsystem serves as a pre-prepared backup system that can be activated when the primary braking subsystem fails or is insufficient. The system monitors primary braking performance and has supplemental brakes ready to provide additional braking force or take over completely if needed, cushioning against braking failures before they compromise safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent control of supplemental brakes is implemented, then the adaptability of braking control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental braking control module receives feedback about the operational status of the primary braking subsystem and the braking needs of the vehicle. Based on this feedback, the supplemental control module independently determines when and how to activate supplemental brakes, adjusting braking force distribution adaptively without requiring complex centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental braking subsystem is designed to perform multiple functions: it can provide additional braking force when primary brakes are insufficient, it can take over completely when primary brakes fail, and it can distribute braking force to different wheel locations to improve vehicle stability. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple independent control structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are devices, systems and methods for managing a supplemental brake control system in autonomous vehicles. In some aspects, a supplemental brake management system includes brake control hardware and software that operates with a sensing mechanism for determining the brake operational status and a control mechanism for activating the supplemental brake control in an autonomous vehicle, which can be implemented in addition to the vehicle's primary brake control system.