Trailer Hitch Control System Cost Reduction via Segmented Safety Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems for motor vehicle auxiliary systems, such as trailer hitches, are costly due to stringent safety standards, necessitating a more cost-effective solution without compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
A control system where the drive control is designed to operate under a lower safety standard than the monitoring unit, with the drive control being switched to a functional state only when necessary, and returned to a functionally blocked state shortly after action completion, allowing for reduced production costs while maintaining safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive control is designed according to high safety standards, then safety is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two distinct functional parts: a monitoring unit that operates continuously under high safety standards (ASIL D) and a drive control that operates intermittently under lower safety standards. This segmentation allows each component to be designed and manufactured according to its actual safety requirements, reducing overall production costs while maintaining system safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive control dynamically transitions between a functional state (when action is needed) and a functionally blocked state (when no action is needed). This dynamic state change allows the drive control to operate under lower safety standards during non-critical periods, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring high safety standards are met during critical operational periods.
2Ease of operation
If the drive control operates continuously in functional state, then operational readiness is improved, but safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive control operates in periodic cycles, transitioning to the functional state only when a request signal is received and returning to the functionally blocked state after completing an action. This periodic operation ensures the system is ready to act when needed while minimizing the time spent in a potentially hazardous functional state, thus reducing safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring unit continuously monitors system status and vehicle/driver conditions, providing feedback that triggers transitions to the functional state only when appropriate. This feedback mechanism ensures operational readiness is maintained while preventing unsafe operations, as the drive control only becomes functional when the monitoring unit confirms safe conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the drive control is switched to functional state only when necessary, then production cost is reduced, but response time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring unit performs preliminary assessments of system status and safety conditions continuously, so when a request signal is received, the drive control can transition to the functional state immediately if conditions are favorable. This preliminary preparation minimizes response time while allowing the drive control to remain in a lower-cost blocked state during unsafe periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
The control system has an irresistible element movable by a drive, particularly for a trailer coupling (16) with a ball neck (18) movable relatively to vehicle-fixed storage unit (22). The movement of storage unit is influenced by drive. A drive controller is communicated with monitoring unit through an interface. The drive controller is switched by monitoring unit between a function blocking state and a function driving state. An activation of drive is not possible by drive control in function blocking state. The drive is controlled by the drive controller in the function driving state.