Supplemental Steering Control via Individual Wheel Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current commercial vehicle steering systems lack a reliable and cost-effective redundant system to ensure fault-tolerant operation, especially in automated driving scenarios where a driver is not present to manually override failed systems.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental steering control system that utilizes an error detection module and control module to generate braking signals for individual wheel braking, leveraging the vehicle's braking system to achieve steering control, even in the absence of a functioning main steering system, with consideration for positive rolling radius to enhance steering effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pneumatic backup system is used for steering, then reliability is improved, but the system cannot be operated automatically without a driver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pneumatic backup steering system with an electronic control system that uses individual wheel braking to achieve steering. The electronic control unit receives steering signals and activates specific brake calipers on left or right wheels to generate steering effect, enabling automated operation without requiring manual driver intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the steering function from the traditional pneumatic backup system and implements it through the existing electronic braking system. By utilizing the individually controllable brake calipers as part of the electronic braking system, the steering capability is separated and reassigned to electronic control, enabling automated steering without a driver.
2Reliability
If steering actuators and control system are duplicated for redundancy, then fault-tolerant operation is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electronic braking system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary braking function and a secondary steering function. The same electronic control unit and brake calipers used for braking are also utilized for steering when the main steering system fails, eliminating the need for separate redundant steering actuators and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the steering redundancy function into the existing electronic braking system. Instead of creating a separate redundant steering system, the braking system is integrated to provide steering capability, combining multiple functions (braking and steering) into a single system that reduces complexity while maintaining fault tolerance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a reliable and cost-effective backup steering system that allows for fault-tolerant operation of commercial vehicles in automated modes without the need for a driver, ensuring safety and increased reliability by using the braking system to take over steering control in case of main system failures.
Implementation Method 1
The braking system is configured to brake individually wheels of the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
A supplemental steering control system for a vehicle (10) with a braking system (20) and a main steering system (30), the braking system (20) being configured to brake individually wheels of the vehicle (10), the main steering system (30) being configured to steer the vehicle (10) in response to a steering signal (45), comprises: an error detection module (110) and a control module (120). The error detection module (110) is configured to detect a malfunction of the main steering system (30) and based thereon to provide an error signal (115). The control module (120) is configured to receive the error signal (115) and the steering signal (45), and is further configured to provide a braking signal (125) for the braking system (20) to brake a wheel of the vehicle (10) to thereby steer the vehicle (10).