Vehicle Backup Control Using Regenerative Braking and Brake Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle motion controllers, such as braking and steering systems, can achieve ASILD safety levels but fail to provide full functionality without increasing costs, and when failures occur, they cannot be safely transitioned to driver control.

Innovation Solution

Implement a backup braking system using a regenerative motor, a backup steering system controlling the braking system, and a backup parking system alternating between motor and braking system operations to maintain vehicle control after failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a redundant braking system and steering system are equipped to meet functional safety requirements, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system is designed to perform multiple functions: normal braking, backup braking when steering fails, and backup steering when the steering system fails. The motor controller is configured to switch between driving mode and backup braking mode, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple safety-critical functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the backup braking and backup steering functions into a single integrated braking system controlled by a unified control unit. Instead of implementing separate redundant systems for braking and steering, the solution merges these safety functions into one system that can dynamically switch between different operational modes based on failure detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a redundant braking system and steering system are equipped to meet functional safety requirements, then system reliability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system is designed to perform multiple functions: normal braking, backup braking when steering fails, and backup steering when the steering system fails. The motor controller is configured to switch between driving mode and backup braking mode, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple safety-critical functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the backup braking and backup steering functions into a single integrated braking system controlled by a unified control unit. Instead of implementing separate redundant systems for braking and steering, the solution merges these safety functions into one system that can dynamically switch between different operational modes based on failure detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the braking system is used for backup steering control, then system reliability is improved, but the braking system experiences increased use of energy and accelerated wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit implements periodic monitoring of system status to detect failures in the steering or braking systems. By continuously or periodically checking system health, the control unit can quickly transition to backup modes only when necessary, rather than operating in backup mode continuously, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption and wear on the braking system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on real-time failure detection. The braking system operates in normal mode during healthy conditions and switches to backup steering mode only when steering failure is detected. This dynamic adaptation ensures the braking system consumes energy and experiences wear only when actually providing backup steering assistance, not during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the motor and braking system work alternately for parking, then system reliability is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit implements periodic monitoring of system status to detect failures in the steering or braking systems. By continuously or periodically checking system health, the control unit can quickly transition to backup modes only when necessary, rather than operating in backup mode continuously, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption and wear on the braking system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on real-time failure detection. The braking system operates in normal mode during healthy conditions and switches to backup steering mode only when steering failure is detected. This dynamic adaptation ensures the braking system consumes energy and experiences wear only when actually providing backup steering assistance, not during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures safe vehicle operation and transition to driver control without increasing hardware costs, maintaining functionality during system failures.

Implementation Method 1

activating a backup braking system, the backup braking system decelerating a vehicle by controlling a regenerative motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRegenerative braking: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

implementing parking by controlling a motor and the braking system to work alternately

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4023510B1Vehicle control method and system, and vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 NIO TECH ANHUI CO LTD
  • EP4023510B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4023510B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4023510B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This application relates to a vehicle control method and system, a vehicle, and a storage medium. The vehicle control method includes: when a braking system fails, activating a backup braking system, the backup braking system decelerating a vehicle by controlling a regenerative motor; when a steering system fails, implementing transverse control over the vehicle by controlling the braking system; and when a parking system fails, implementing parking by controlling a motor and the braking system to work alternately. According to this method, safety control over the vehicle can be implemented when the original braking system, steering system, or parking system fails.