In-Vehicle Switch Module for Accessory Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle infotainment systems lack a convenient method for users to add and control aftermarket accessories without modifying the vehicle's electrical system, leading to unsightly and unsafe wiring solutions.
Innovation Solution
A switch module with an active low design provides switched ground wire connections to accessory devices, allowing users to power them on or off through a vehicle computing system's touch-sensitive display or nomadic device, eliminating the need for hardware modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users wire accessory devices directly to the vehicle's electrical system, then the accessory devices can be powered and controlled, but the wiring becomes unsightly and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switch module as an intermediary device between the vehicle's electrical system and accessory devices. This module provides controlled power delivery through a standardized interface, eliminating the need for users to directly wire accessories to the vehicle's electrical system. The switch module handles all electrical connections safely while presenting a clean, user-friendly interface for power control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual wiring and physical switch mechanisms with a software-based control system. The switch module communicates with the vehicle's computing system through digital interfaces, allowing power control to be managed via software applications on touchscreen displays or nomadic devices rather than through traditional mechanical switches or direct electrical wiring.
2Ease of operation
If hardware modifications are made to control accessory devices, then power control is achieved, but the vehicle's electrical system is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The switch module serves as a buffer between the vehicle's electrical system and accessory devices, providing controlled power delivery without requiring modifications to the vehicle's wiring harness or electrical architecture. This intermediary approach maintains electrical system integrity while enabling safe accessory power control.
3Ease of operation
If traditional switching mechanisms are used, then power control is provided, but the control interface is not integrated with the vehicle's existing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The switch module is designed to work with the vehicle's existing computing system and communication protocols. It can be controlled through multiple interfaces including touchscreen displays, nomadic devices, and voice recognition systems, allowing a single device to provide universal power control across different user preferences and scenarios without requiring separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches and physical control interfaces with software-based control through the vehicle's existing digital systems. Power control is achieved through applications running on the vehicle's computing system that communicate with the switch module via digital protocols, integrating seamlessly with the vehicle's infotainment and communication architectures.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method may include receiving input to a vehicle-associated computing system (VACS) touch-sensitive display, requesting adjustment to a powered state of an accessory device connected to a switch module; providing, responsive to the input, a command from a vehicle computing system to the switch module, running on the VACS, to adjust a controlled output of the switch module; and updating the user interface to reflect a result of the command.