Wireless Remote Stop Control for Independent Vehicle Emergency Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles lack an effective independent emergency stop system that can safely and reliably bring the vehicle to a halt in case of errant behavior, independent of the vehicle's control systems and health status.
Innovation Solution
A remote stop system comprising a remote stop actuator and controller that can be activated externally to cease engine power and apply brakes, using a wireless control signal and redundant circuits to ensure reliability, allowing for independent control of the vehicle's stoppage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a remote stop system is implemented for autonomous vehicles, then vehicle safety is improved by enabling external stopping capability, but device complexity increases due to additional actuators and wireless control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The remote stop system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a remote stop actuator with wireless transmitter, a remote stop controller with receiver, and integration with existing brake and engine control systems. This segmentation allows the safety function to be added independently without redesigning the entire vehicle control architecture, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless control signal as an intermediary communication medium between the external operator and the vehicle's control systems. The remote stop actuator transmits signals wirelessly to the controller, which then mediates the activation of brake and engine stop functions. This intermediary approach enables external intervention without requiring physical access to the vehicle, enhancing safety while maintaining system integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the remote stop system uses wireless control signals, then ease of operation is improved by allowing remote activation, but reliability may worsen due to potential signal transmission failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates redundant control circuits and fail-safe mechanisms that are activated beforehand to cushion against potential wireless signal failures. The remote stop controller includes backup pathways and validation protocols that ensure the stop function can be reliably executed even if the primary wireless signal encounters interference or transmission issues, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote stop system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller receives and validates wireless control signals before executing the stop function. The system monitors signal integrity and provides feedback loops that verify proper signal reception and system response, ensuring that remote activation remains reliable despite potential wireless transmission challenges.
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
Enables safe and reliable remote stopping of autonomous vehicles, independent of their control systems, ensuring safety by simultaneously stopping the engine and applying braking force, even in conditions where the vehicle's control systems are malfunctioning.
Implementation Method 1
a remote stop actuator configured to send a wireless control signal to the remote stop controller
Implementation Method 2
a brake system for the vehicle including a brake valve configured to apply a braking force to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A remote stop system for a vehicle configured to be operated autonomously or semi-autonomously. The remote stop system includes a remote stop controller configured to be installed on the vehicle and a remote stop actuator configured to send a wireless control signal to the remote stop controller. The remote stop actuator has a first state having the remote stop actuator continuously transmitting the wireless control signal to the remote stop controller; and a second state having the remote stop actuator without transmitting the wireless control signal to the remote stop controller. In the second state, an engine of the vehicle is automatically stopped simultaneously with applying a braking force to the vehicle. A vehicle system includes the vehicle and the remote stop system.