Integrated Access Backhaul Relay for Vehicle Network Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicular communication systems face challenges in providing seamless and efficient wireless connectivity between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, as well as within vehicles, which is crucial for safety and data-driven operations.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) Vehicular Mounted Relay (VMR) module in the communication unit enables wireless connectivity with both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, along with seamless handover between them, and provides connectivity to in-vehicle devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a communication unit provides wireless connectivity with both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, then network coverage and connectivity reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines terrestrial network connectivity and non-terrestrial network connectivity into a single integrated communication unit. The communication unit includes both a terrestrial network interface and a non-terrestrial network interface, allowing the vehicle to connect to either network type through one unified device rather than requiring separate communication systems. This merging approach improves connectivity reliability while managing device complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both terrestrial and non-terrestrial network connections. The single communication unit can selectively connect to either the terrestrial network or the non-terrestrial network based on availability and requirements, providing universal connectivity capability across different network types without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the communication unit enables seamless handover between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, then network adaptability is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication unit continuously monitors the availability and quality of both terrestrial and non-terrestrial network connections. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines the optimal network to connect to and executes seamless handovers when switching between networks. This feedback mechanism enables adaptive network selection and handover control without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The communication unit dynamically adjusts its network connection based on real-time conditions. The system can switch between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks depending on signal availability, connection quality, and operational requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the communication unit to respond flexibly to changing network conditions while maintaining optimal connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the communication unit provides wireless connectivity to multiple in-vehicle devices, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication unit is designed as a universal connectivity platform that can simultaneously provide wireless connections to multiple in-vehicle devices such as telecommunication control units, user equipment, and other vehicle systems. The single communication unit handles diverse connectivity requirements for different devices through integrated protocols and interfaces, eliminating the need for multiple separate communication systems throughout the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250184849A1Vehicular communication unit with integrated access and backhaul relay
Publication Date: 2025.06.05 MOLEX INC
  • US20250184849A1 patent drawing
  • US20250184849A1 patent drawing
  • US20250184849A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Exemplary examples are disclosed of vehicular communication systems comprising communication units including integrated access backhaul (IAB) vehicular mounted relay (VMR) modules. In exemplary examples, the communication unit is configured for providing wireless connectivity with a terrestrial network (TN) and a non-terrestrial network (NTN) outside the vehicle. The communication unit is also configured to provide wireless connectivity to a telecommunication control unit (TCU) and user equipment (UE) inside the vehicle.