Vehicle Controller Remote Control Safety Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to ensure the safety of vehicles and their operators while in remote control drive mode, as unintended activation of main input devices within the vehicle can lead to unexpected vehicle behavior due to factors like loose equipment, animals, or occupants, potentially causing accidents.
Innovation Solution
A method and controller system that detect the operation of main input devices within the vehicle during remote control drive mode and automatically apply a braking force to stop the vehicle, using a predetermined deceleration profile to ensure a controlled and safe stop, thereby preventing unintended acceleration or movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle is operated in remote control drive mode, then the operator can control the vehicle from outside the vehicle, but the vehicle becomes vulnerable to unintended activation of main input devices by loose equipment, animals, or occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting operation of main input devices and automatically applying braking force to counteract unintended acceleration or movement before it can cause harm. The controller monitors input devices and pre-empts potential dangerous vehicle behavior by initiating braking action immediately upon detection of unauthorized input during remote control mode.
2Ease of operation
If the operator is outside the vehicle during remote control, then direct access to main input devices is prevented, but response time to unexpected situations is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling the vehicle to monitor its own input devices and automatically respond to unauthorized operation without requiring operator intervention. The controller detects main input device operation and autonomously applies braking force, eliminating the time delay that would occur if the remote operator had to detect and respond to the situation manually.
3Reliability
If automatic braking is applied upon detection of main input device operation, then vehicle safety is improved, but the vehicle may stop unexpectedly even when the input was intentional
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by adjusting the braking force based on the vehicle's current state. When the vehicle is already stationary, the controller inhibits acceleration request signals rather than applying braking force, preventing unnecessary braking when the vehicle is not moving. When the vehicle is in motion, controlled braking is applied to bring it to a safe stop. This dynamic response adapts the safety mechanism to the actual operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a controller (10) for controlling movement of a vehicle (100), and a corresponding method. The controller (10) comprises processing means configured to: receive (501) a first signal indicative of the vehicle being in a remote control drive mode; receive (502) a second signal indicative of operation of a main input device (124S, 161, 163, 171, 174) within the vehicle (100); and provide (520) an output signal for applying a braking force to slow the vehicle (100) to a stop in dependence on said first and second signals.