Vehicle Control Fallback for Actuator Sensor Malfunctions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle systems fail to ensure safe operation when actuating devices or sensors malfunction, leading to potential unsafe conditions due to undetected driver inputs.
Innovation Solution
Implement a redundant sensor system to detect actuations of actuating devices, activate an autonomous driving mode upon detection of a malfunction, and control the vehicle's steering, brake, and drive systems accordingly, ensuring safe operation by preventing driver intervention until the malfunction is resolved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single sensor is used to detect actuating device input, then the system is simpler and cheaper, but the system becomes unsafe when the sensor malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing redundancy specifically at the sensor level where it is most critical for safety. Instead of making the entire system complex, only the sensing component uses multiple sensors (first and second sensors) while the rest of the control system remains unchanged. This localized application of redundancy ensures safety without unnecessarily complicating the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by preparing a backup sensing mechanism (second sensor) that is ready to take over if the primary sensor (first sensor) fails. The system continuously monitors both sensors and has pre-established protocols for switching to autonomous driving mode, ensuring that safety is maintained without requiring complex real-time decision-making when a failure occurs.
2Reliability
If the vehicle is brought to a standstill in emergency trajectory, then safety is ensured, but the loss of time and productivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the driving mode adaptable rather than fixed. When a sensor malfunction is detected, the system dynamically switches to autonomous driving mode, allowing the vehicle to continue operating safely without requiring an emergency stop. This dynamic response optimizes the balance between safety and operational continuity, only restricting driver control when necessary while maintaining vehicle mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by transitioning the control parameter from manual driver control to autonomous system control when a malfunction is detected. This parameter change allows the vehicle to maintain its operational state (moving vs. stopped) while changing who controls it, thereby ensuring safety without necessarily bringing the vehicle to a standstill.
3Ease of operation
If control is transferred back to the driver immediately after malfunction detection, then the driver can address the issue, but unsafe interventions may occur before the malfunction is resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the status of both sensors and the malfunction condition. The system only transfers control back to the driver when the feedback indicates that the malfunction has been resolved (i.e., when the first sensor is confirmed to be functioning again). This feedback mechanism ensures that control transitions are safe and that the driver cannot intervene until the system is verified to be in a safe state.
4Measurement precision
If redundant sensors are implemented to detect malfunctions, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing redundancy specifically at the sensor level where it is most critical for safety. Instead of making the entire system complex, only the sensing component uses multiple sensors (first and second sensors) while the rest of the control system remains unchanged. This localized application of redundancy ensures safety without unnecessarily complicating the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by using a second sensor that replicates the function of the first sensor. This copy provides redundant measurement capability, allowing the system to detect malfunctions by comparing readings from identical sensing mechanisms. The copying approach improves measurement precision through verification without requiring fundamentally different or more complex sensing technology.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes at least one actuating device which can be actuated by a driver for specifying a braking, acceleration and/or steering request. The actuating device is assigned at least one first sensor for detecting an actuation of the actuating device. The actuating device and/or the first sensor (5) are monitored for a malfunction. If a malfunction of the actuating device and/or the first sensor has been detected, an at least partially autonomous driving mode of the motor vehicle is activated and at least one autonomous driving maneuver is carried out as a function of the value of at least one specified parameter assigned or assignable to the motor vehicle.