Distributed V2X Module Layout for Obstructed Long Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing V2X communication systems in long vehicles, such as articulated lorries and trucks, face challenges with limited signal quality and unreliable data transmission due to obstruction by trailers and loads, which compromises safe driving operations like platooning.

Innovation Solution

A V2X communication unit comprising at least two geographically separate modules linked by a logic module to form a combined transmit and receive range, allowing coordinated data transmission and reception, even in obstructed areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single V2X module is installed centrally in the tractor unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the signal quality and transmission reliability deteriorate due to obstruction by trailers and loads

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveV2X module configurationVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The V2X communication system is segmented into multiple spatially distributed V2X modules (first V2X module in front area, second V2X module in rear area) instead of using a single centralized module. This segmentation allows each module to independently cover specific zones, overcoming the obstruction problem caused by trailers and loads while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single-point (centralized) V2X module configuration to a distributed spatial configuration along the vehicle's length. By distributing modules along the longitudinal dimension of the vehicle, the system creates multiple transmission paths around obstructions, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the communication architecture to bypass physical barriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If two lateral antennas are positioned on the tractor unit, then the area of obstruction beside and behind the vehicle is minimized, but certain areas of obstruction still remain where signal quality is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidantenna arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is segmented into multiple antennas associated with different V2X modules (first antenna with first V2X module, second antenna with second V2X module). This segmentation creates multiple independent transmission sources distributed along the vehicle, allowing signals to reach areas that would be obstructed by a single antenna position, thereby improving signal quality without creating a single point of failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If V2X modules are distributed along the vehicle length, then the transmit and receive range is extended to cover obstructed areas, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmit and receive rangeVSAvoidV2X module configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The V2X communication system is divided into multiple spatially separated modules, each with its own transmit and receive capabilities. This segmentation extends the overall coverage area along the vehicle's length, ensuring that at least one module can maintain communication with surrounding vehicles despite obstructions, while the modular design keeps individual module complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple V2X modules are merged into a coordinated system where each module contributes to the overall transmit and receive range. The modules work together as an integrated communication system, with each module handling specific zones, thereby achieving extended coverage without proportionally increasing the complexity of each individual module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3844986B1V2x commmunication unit and transmitting vehicle comprising such a v2x communication unit
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 ZF CV SYST EURO BV
  • EP3844986B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3844986B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a V2X communication unit (100) for wirelessly transmitting and/or receiving V2X signals (SV2X) containing data (D.i, D) in a vehicle (1), in particular a commercial vehicle (1), wherein the V2X communication unit (100) has a number of V2X modules (2.i), wherein each V2X module (2.i) is connected to at least one antenna (3.i) for transmitting and/or receiving the V2X signals (SV2X) within a transmitting and receiving range (B.i, B), wherein the V2X module (2.i) has at least: a transmitter unit and/or a receiver unit and a data interface for transferring data (D.i, D) that is to be transmitted and/or received via the V2X signal (SV2X). According to the invention the V2X communication unit (100) has at least two physically separate V2X modules (2.i) and a logic module (13), and the logic module (13) is designed to link the at least two V2X modules (2.i) so that the at least two V2X modules (2.i) for a logical unit with a combined transmitting and receiving range (B) within which the V2X signals (SV2X) containing the data (D.i, D) can be transmitted and/or received.