Daisy-Chained Execution Units with Automatic Addressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network architectures for actuating execution units are either energy-inefficient and error-prone or complex and not suitable for large-area applications, lacking automatic addressing and efficient segmentation, which is critical for reliable and cost-effective implementations, especially in safety-critical fields like automotive systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system arrangement that creates a physical network of series sub-chains of execution units with unique identifiers, where each sub-chain has an upstream communication node, allowing for efficient and error-proof operation by segmenting the network, enabling selective addressing and passive communication node switching to ensure only affected sub-chains fail, reducing energy consumption and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional network architectures (CAN bus, LIN) are used for actuating execution units, then the system can operate with a established protocol, but the complexity of the protocol increases and automatic addressing is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables execution units to automatically determine their own addresses through the physical topology of the network. Each execution unit detects its position in the daisy-chained configuration and assigns itself an address without requiring manual configuration or complex protocol-based addressing schemes, thereby achieving self-service addressing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the addressing function from the protocol layer and embeds it directly in the physical connection topology. By taking out the complex protocol-based addressing mechanism and replacing it with a simple topology-based automatic addressing system, the protocol complexity is reduced while maintaining ease of operation
2Volume of moving object
If a compact construction is used for execution units, then the device size is reduced and it becomes advantageous for vehicle use, but the network architecture must be adapted for large-area applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple daisy-chained groups of execution units, where each group can be independently addressed. This segmentation allows compact execution units to be distributed across large areas while maintaining manageable communication groups, enabling both compact device size and large-area coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the network architecture from a single linear chain to a multi-dimensional daisy-chained configuration spanning multiple circuit boards and physical locations. This dimensional extension allows compact execution units to be deployed across large areas while maintaining the benefits of the compact design
3Device complexity
If network architectures are designed for individual circuit boards, then the device complexity is manageable, but the application is limited to small areas and cannot be installed over several metres
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal daisy-chained network architecture that can function across multiple circuit boards and physical locations while maintaining the same communication protocol and addressing scheme. This multi-functional design allows the same network topology to be used for both small-area individual board applications and large-area distributed installations, eliminating the need for different architecture designs
Data Source
AI summary
A method and corresponding set-up system arrangement are provided for actuating execution units. A communication node is further provided which is suitable for use in the method or in the system arrangement. Also provided is a computer program comprising control commands which implement the proposed method or operate the proposed system arrangement.