Vehicle Glass Optical Interconnect for Wiring Harness Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity and size of in-vehicle data communication systems due to a growing number of sensors and control objects require more extensive wiring harnesses, which can lead to scalability issues and limitations in vehicle design, such as larger A-pillars, and hinder the placement of control objects in certain locations.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the glass panels of a vehicle as high-speed optical interconnects by embedding polished inserts within the glass to enable optical communication between control objects and a communication hub, reducing the need for physical wiring and allowing for flexible placement of control objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of control objects and sensors is increased to satisfy data communication requirements, then the communication capability and control functionality are improved, but the number of terminals and physical connections increases leading to larger and more complex ECU designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electrical wiring system with an optical communication system using the windshield glass as a light guide. Light emitters and receivers are integrated into the glass panel, enabling data transmission through optical signals instead of electrical wires, thereby reducing ECU terminal requirements and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield glass is given multiple functions: it serves both as the vehicle's protective glass component and as an optical communication medium. The glass panel acts as both a structural element and a data transmission channel, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses for control objects mounted on the windshield
2Adaptability or versatility
If more physical connections (wires) are required between ECUs and control objects, then data communication coverage is improved, but the wiring harness complexity and vehicle pillar size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical wiring harness with an optical communication system embedded in the glass panel. Data is transmitted through light signals guided by the glass medium, eliminating the need for extensive physical wire connections between ECUs and control objects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional wire-based communication to two-dimensional optical communication across the glass surface. The light guide properties of the glass enable data transmission in directions parallel to the glass surface, allowing control objects to be positioned anywhere on the windshield without requiring wires to route through the A-pillar
3Adaptability or versatility
If control objects are placed in arbitrary locations throughout the vehicle, then design flexibility is improved, but the wiring harness routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield glass serves as both a structural component and a universal communication medium. Any control object mounted on the windshield can communicate with the ECU through the glass's optical properties, eliminating the need for location-specific wiring routes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring routing system with an optical communication system where the glass panel itself acts as the transmission medium. This allows control objects to be positioned anywhere on the windshield without requiring complex wire routing through the A-pillar or other structural components
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 simplifies the wiring harness, enables the placement of control objects in previously inaccessible locations, and provides higher bandwidth communication without the constraints of traditional cable limitations, while maintaining a smaller vehicle pillar size.
Implementation Method 1
The glass panel can be configured such that the light passes between the first insert and the second insert in a direction parallel to a major surface of the glass panel
Implementation Method 2
forming a first insert in a first region of a glass panel of a vehicle and a second insert in a second region of the glass panel. A light emitter can be placed on a surface of the first insert. A light receiver can be placed on a surface of the second insert
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure include equipment and process schemes for using a glass panel of a vehicle as a high-speed optical interconnect. An exemplary method can include forming a first insert in a first region of a glass panel of a vehicle and a second insert in a second region of the glass panel. A light emitter can be placed on a surface of the first insert. A light receiver can be placed on a surface of the second insert. The method can include injecting, by the light emitter, light into the first insert. The method can include receiving, by the light receiver, the light at the surface of the second insert.