In-Vehicle Management Device for Individual Electronic Control Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing in-vehicle network systems, managing the activation of electronic control devices connected to and not connected to power supply relays is not possible individually, leading to inefficiencies in power management and device operation.

Innovation Solution

A communication system with a power supply switching device and a management device that generates and transmits management frames containing switching information and activation information to control power supply sections and activate or deactivate electronic control devices, allowing for individual management of devices connected to and not connected to the power supply switching sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If power supply relays are used to control power sources of electronic control devices, then power management is simplified, but individual management of device activation is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management complexityVSAvoidindividual device activation management

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power management function by introducing a power supply switching device that operates independently for each electronic control device. This allows individual activation control while maintaining simplified overall power management through the management device's centralized control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a management device as an intermediary that communicates with power supply switching devices via communication frames. This intermediary enables individual device activation management by transmitting activation information to the appropriate power supply switching devices without complicating the overall power management architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If all electronic control devices are connected to power supply switching sections, then power management is centralized, but devices require continuous power supply which reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management structureVSAvoidcontinuous power supply consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic activation of power supply switching sections based on activation information received in communication frames. Power is supplied periodically only when needed for specific devices, reducing continuous power consumption while maintaining the centralized management structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply switching devices autonomously respond to activation information in communication frames, switching power supply states without requiring continuous manual intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces energy consumption by activating power only when specific devices require it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If individual device activation control is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management device performs multiple functions: it generates communication frames, determines activation information based on communication content, and controls power supply switching devices. This multi-functionality improves operational efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical power switching with communication-based control. Management frames transmitted via communication buses substitute for direct mechanical relay control, enabling individual device activation control through software/logic rather than complex hardware switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250103118A1Communication system, electronic control device and management device

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A communication system includes a plurality of electronic control devices connected to be capable of transmitting and receiving a communication frame. The electronic control devices includes a power supply switching device configured to receive a power supply from a power source via a power supply switching section and a management device connected to the electronic control devices to be capable of transmitting and receiving a communication frame, and is configured to control an operation of one or a plurality of power supply switching sections. At least one of the electronic control devices includes a frame generation section configured to generate a management frame that is a communication frame and a frame transmission section configured to transmit the management frame.