X-by-Wire Vehicle Control with Central Status Fallback Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle operation methods with X-by-wire control devices lack a reliable and safe fallback mechanism, posing risks during power failures or malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A central computer determines an overall status from status messages transmitted by control devices, controlling the drive and X-by-wire devices based on this status to ensure safe operation, with self-diagnosis and redundant systems for enhanced reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If X-by-wire control devices are used without mechanical fallback level, then the vehicle structure can be simplified and control precision improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate during power failures or malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle structureVSAvoidsafety during power failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control system into multiple independent control units (first control unit, second control unit, third control unit) that can operate autonomously. Each control unit manages specific functions (braking, steering, acceleration) and can independently respond to failures without requiring the entire system to fail together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary diagnostic actions where control units continuously monitor each other's status and communicate through status messages. The central computer proactively identifies potential failures before they compromise safety, allowing preventive measures to be taken rather than reacting after failure occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If multiple control devices operate independently without central coordination, then system autonomy is improved, but control consistency and safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem autonomyVSAvoidcontrol consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent control units with a central computer that coordinates their operations. The central computer receives status messages from all control units, determines overall system status, and issues coordinated control commands to ensure consistent and safe operation across all vehicle functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback loops where control units transmit status messages to the central computer, which then adjusts control commands based on the overall status. This feedback mechanism ensures that all control devices remain synchronized and coordinate their actions to maintain safety and consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250336245A1Method for operating a motor vehicle and corresponding motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 AUDI AG

AI summary

A method for operating a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle has a drive device and multiple X-by-wire control devices. A central computer of the motor vehicle determines an overall status from status messages transmitted by the control devices and controls the drive device and/or the control devices on the basis of the overall status.