Decorative Light Guide Optical Interconnect for Vehicle Wiring Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity and size of in-vehicle data communication systems due to the growing number of control objects and dispersed locations within vehicles lead to cumbersome wiring harnesses, which are difficult to manage and limit flexibility in vehicle design.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing decorative plastic light guides as high-speed optical interconnects to replace traditional data cables, allowing for optical communication between control objects and a centralized communication hub, thereby simplifying the wiring harness and enabling placement of control objects in previously inaccessible locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wiring harnesses are used to connect ECUs and control objects, then reliable data communication is achieved, but the wiring harness size and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical wiring system with an optical communication system using decorative light guides. Light emitters and receivers transmit data through the light guide structure, eliminating the need for complex electrical wiring harnesses while maintaining reliable communication between ECUs and control objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative light guide structure serves dual functions: it maintains its original aesthetic illumination purpose while simultaneously functioning as an optical data communication medium. This multi-functionality allows existing light guide structures to be repurposed for data transmission, reducing wiring complexity without sacrificing design integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more control objects are added to satisfy increasing data requirements, then system functionality is enhanced, but the number of physical connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional electrical wiring to two-dimensional optical communication by utilizing the light guide's ability to transmit light across its surface area. This allows multiple control objects to be connected through the same light guide structure, reducing the number of physical connections needed as system functionality expands.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ECUs are located at or below the dashboard while control objects are dispersed throughout the vehicle, then system flexibility is improved, but wiring harness routing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative light guide structure serves itself by utilizing its inherent light-transmitting properties to also carry data communication signals. The existing light guide pathways, already designed to reach various locations in the vehicle for aesthetic purposes, automatically provide the routing infrastructure for optical data transmission, eliminating the need for separate wiring harness routing efforts.
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
This solution reduces the size and complexity of wiring harnesses, enhances flexibility in vehicle design, and supports higher bandwidth communication without visible impact on the light guide's appearance, allowing for more efficient data transfer and improved placement of control objects.
Implementation Method 1
The method includes injecting, by a light emitter, light having the light characteristic into the first insert and receiving, by a light receiver, the light from the second insert
Implementation Method 2
forming a decorative light guide using a transparent material, a first insert, and a second insert
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure include equipment and process schemes for using a plastic decorative light guide of a vehicle as a high-speed optical interconnect. An exemplary method can include forming a decorative light guide from a transparent material. The decorative light guide includes a first insert and a second insert. A light characteristic for optical communication through the decorative light guide is selected based on a current color of the decorative light guide. Light having the light characteristic is injected by a light emitter into the first insert and the light is received by a light receiver from the second insert.