Virtual Functional Model Hazard Analysis for Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing new vehicle technical functions are limited to real software or hardware prototypes, leading to delayed identification of hazards and risks, resulting in significant repair costs and delays.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using virtual functional and vehicle models to simulate the implementation of technical functions, generating control data, and performing hazard analysis to identify risks before hardware or software implementation, ensuring compliance with safety standards like ISO 26262 and ISO PAS 21448.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If testing is conducted using real software or hardware prototypes, then testing accuracy is improved, but development time is extended and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing hazard analysis and simulation testing before actual hardware or software implementation. The virtual functional model allows testing of technical functions at an early development stage, enabling hazard identification and risk assessment prior to committing resources to physical prototypes. This preliminary testing approach resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient testing accuracy early in development without requiring time-consuming hardware prototypes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a virtual functional model as a digital copy of the technical function to perform simulations and hazard analyses. This virtual copy enables comprehensive testing without needing physical hardware prototypes, thereby maintaining testing accuracy while significantly reducing development time and costs associated with building and testing actual hardware or software implementations.
2Reliability
If hazard analysis is performed early in development, then safety risks are identified sooner, but comprehensive testing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary hazard analysis by creating a virtual functional model that represents the technical function before implementation. This model allows safety risks to be identified early in the development process through simulation, avoiding the need for complex physical testing setups. The virtual model simplifies early-stage hazard analysis while maintaining comprehensive safety assessment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual functional model serves as an intermediary between the abstract technical requirements and physical implementation. It enables hazard analysis and simulation testing at an intermediate development stage, providing a simplified environment for comprehensive safety testing without requiring the complexity of actual hardware or software systems. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by making comprehensive testing feasible early in development.
3Ease of manufacture
If virtual modeling is used for early testing, then development costs are reduced, but testing realism may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual functional model that copies the essential behavior and characteristics of the technical function without requiring physical hardware. This digital copy enables comprehensive hazard analysis and simulation testing at minimal cost, while maintaining sufficient realism for safety-critical assessments. The virtual model captures the functional behavior needed for accurate hazard identification without the high costs of physical prototyping.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual functional model enables preliminary testing and hazard analysis before physical implementation, significantly reducing development costs. By performing safety-critical assessments in the virtual domain first, the patent identifies and resolves hazards early when changes are inexpensive, thereby reducing overall development costs while maintaining adequate testing realism for safety purposes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for testing the effects of a technical function on a vehicle and/or a vehicle environment. The technical function is described by a virtual functional model (1). The operating states of the vehicle are described by a virtual vehicle model (2). The method involves simulating the implementation of the technical function in the vehicle. The following steps are performed: data-technical coupling of the virtual functional model (1) with the virtual vehicle model (2), generation of control data for the virtual vehicle model (2) by the virtual functional model (1), simulation of technical operating states of the vehicle using the virtual vehicle model (2) based on the generated control data, and performance of a hazard analysis for at least one of the simulated operating states of the vehicle.Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for carrying out this method by means of a first and a second computing unit.