Vehicle Head Unit Dual Bluetooth Antennas Auxiliary Link

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle head units face challenges in upgrading functionalities such as Internet access and satellite radio without compromising the aesthetic appearance or requiring complex and costly replacements, as they are not easily adaptable to changing user demands for additional features like navigation or hands-free communications.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a second wireless transceiver, specifically a Bluetooth SPP profile, within the head unit to establish a dedicated communications link with an auxiliary unit, which can provide additional functionalities like Internet access, satellite radio, and navigation, allowing for flexible configuration and upgrades without modifying the head unit's electronic configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single Bluetooth antenna and receiver are used in the head unit, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the adaptability and versatility are limited because additional functionalities cannot be easily added

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Bluetooth communication system is segmented into two independent receivers: a first Bluetooth receiver for standard head unit operations and a second Bluetooth receiver for auxiliary unit communications. This segmentation allows each receiver to handle specific functions independently, enabling adaptability upgrades without increasing overall system complexity significantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second Bluetooth receiver is designed with multi-functionality to support various auxiliary units providing different functionalities such as Internet access, satellite radio, and navigation. This universal design allows the same hardware component to enable multiple additional features, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the head unit is replaced to add new functionalities, then the adaptability and functionality are improved, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised and the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of replacing the entire head unit (two-dimensional replacement), the patent adds functionality through a third dimension by introducing an auxiliary unit that communicates with the head unit via a dedicated Bluetooth channel. This dimensional approach allows functionality expansion without affecting the existing head unit structure or aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The second Bluetooth receiver acts as an intermediary component that enables communication between the head unit and auxiliary units. This intermediary allows new functionalities to be added without directly modifying or replacing the head unit, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs and aesthetic compromises.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a second Bluetooth antenna and receiver are added to the head unit, then the adaptability and functionality are improved by enabling auxiliary units, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Bluetooth communication system is segmented into two independent receivers: a first Bluetooth receiver for standard head unit operations and a second Bluetooth receiver for auxiliary unit communications. This segmentation allows each receiver to handle specific functions independently, enabling adaptability upgrades without increasing overall system complexity significantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second Bluetooth receiver is designed with multi-functionality to support various auxiliary units providing different functionalities such as Internet access, satellite radio, and navigation. This universal design allows the same hardware component to enable multiple additional features, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8948698B2Vehicle multimedia head unit with two bluetooth antennas and two receivers

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

Examples of the present invention include a head unit for a vehicle entertainment system, including a housing, a radio, a first wireless transceiver, and a second wireless transceiver. The second wireless transceiver may be used to provide a dedicated communications link between the head unit and another electronic device, such as an auxiliary unit. The second wireless transceiver may have a serial port profile (SPP), and may be a Bluetooth transceiver.