Vehicle Battery Replacement with Preloaded Update Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle software update technologies incur high communication costs and require vehicles to wait at facilities until updates are completed, increasing the load on vehicles and facilities.
Innovation Solution
A method that synchronizes vehicle program updates with battery replacements in facilities, where the update program is written into new memory before attaching a new battery unit, eliminating the need for communication-based updates and reducing waiting times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the update program is received via communication device during battery replacement, then the vehicle can be updated with new software, but the vehicle incurs high communication costs and must wait at the facility until update is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The update program is written into the new battery unit's memory before the battery replacement process begins. This preliminary action allows the update to be completed in advance, eliminating the need for the vehicle to wait at the facility during the update process. The new battery unit arrives pre-loaded with the update program, so installation is immediate upon battery swap.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the update program storage function from the vehicle's main communication system by placing it in the battery unit's memory. This segmentation allows the update program to be transferred independently of the vehicle, enabling the battery unit to be prepared in advance at a different location and then installed in the vehicle without requiring real-time communication during the update process.
2Reliability
If the update program is received via communication device, then the vehicle can be updated, but the vehicle bears large communication costs depending on program size and update frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The update program is downloaded and stored in the new battery unit's memory before the battery replacement occurs. This preliminary download can happen when the battery unit is being prepared at the manufacturing facility or distribution center, rather than requiring expensive real-time communication with the vehicle. The vehicle simply receives the pre-prepared battery unit with the update already loaded.
Solution Approach 2:
The new battery unit serves as an intermediary carrier for the update program. Instead of communicating directly with the vehicle, the update program is transferred to the battery unit's memory, which then acts as a portable storage medium. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for expensive vehicle-to-server communication during the update process.
3Reliability
If the vehicle waits at the facility until program reception is complete, then the update can be performed, but the waiting period increases and reduces facility throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The update program is written into the new battery unit's memory before the battery replacement process begins. This allows the update preparation to occur in advance, independent of the vehicle's presence at the facility. When the battery is swapped, the update is already complete, eliminating the waiting period and allowing the facility to process vehicles more quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips the time-consuming step of downloading and installing the update program during the battery replacement process by having it pre-loaded. The update installation is rushed through immediately upon battery swap since the program is already in memory, rather than requiring the vehicle to wait for the download and installation process to complete.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for replacing a battery includes steps of removing an old battery unit including an old battery and an old memory from a battery support portion of a vehicle, attaching a new battery unit including a new battery and a new memory to the battery support portion, and writing the update program for the vehicle into the new memory before attaching the unit to the battery support.