Distributed Vehicle Controller Backup for Failure-Tolerant Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles, the failure of a system controller can lead to impaired operation, especially if the failed system is vital, as there is no immediate way to redistribute control functions, resulting in potential operational disruptions until a mechanic can intervene.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distributed control system where one system controller can take over the functions of another, allowing it to control its own system and one or more additional systems in case of failure, utilizing a central control system to manage the control bus and redirect control signals, enabling continued vehicle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each system has its own dedicated system controller, then the control function is simple and reliable under normal conditions, but the system reliability deteriorates when a controller fails because there is no backup control capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a distributed control system where each system controller is designed to perform multiple functions: controlling its own native system and potentially controlling other systems if their controllers fail. This multi-functionality ensures that control capabilities are preserved even when individual controllers fail, thereby improving system reliability without requiring dedicated backup controllers for each system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges control functions across multiple systems by enabling a single system controller to control multiple systems. When controllers are combined in this manner, the failure of one controller does not result in complete system failure, as other controllers can take over. This merging approach improves reliability while avoiding the complexity of having separate backup controllers for each system.
2Reliability
If a system controller fails, then the vehicle operation is disrupted, but implementing a distributed control system allows continued operation by redistributing control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control redistribution mechanism where the control architecture can adapt in real-time based on controller status. When a controller fails, the system dynamically reassigns its control functions to other available controllers. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous vehicle operation while the central control system manages the redistribution process, balancing reliability improvement with operational manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central control system as an intermediary that manages the distributed control network. This intermediary coordinates control signal routing and manages the redistribution of control functions when failures occur. By having this mediating layer, the system achieves improved operation continuity while maintaining ease of management through centralized coordination rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer negotiation between controllers.
3Reliability
If one system controller controls multiple systems, then control redundancy is improved, but the processing load on individual controllers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a strategy where system controllers control their native systems plus some additional systems, but not all possible systems. Each controller takes on a manageable subset of additional control functions beyond its native system, providing redundancy without overwhelming the controller's processing capacity. This partial action approach balances reliability improvement with maintaining adequate processing power for each controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the control assignment parameters based on system conditions. When a controller's processing load becomes excessive, the system reconfigures which controllers manage which additional systems. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain control redundancy while ensuring that no single controller becomes overloaded, thereby preserving both reliability and processing capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a plurality of systems. Each system performs a function of the automobile. In an example embodiment, a plurality of system controllers, one for each system, controls the operation of the system. Each system controller controls how its corresponding system performs its function. When all system controllers are functional, a system controller generates control signals for its corresponding system. When one system controller ceased to operate, another system controller may control the system that corresponds to the failed system controller. Distributing control of systems among the various system controllers increases reliability.