Integrated Safety Module for Digital Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle security modules face limitations due to the susceptibility of analog signal transmission cables to interference and length restrictions, leading to increased manufacturing costs and space constraints, while also requiring multiple separate components for signal conversion and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A security module with a transmission module featuring an integrated circuit combining an oscillator circuit, excitation/reading circuit, voltage regulator circuit, and interface circuit, which reduces the need for separate components and minimizes space requirements, allowing for flexible installation and robust digital data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an analog signal transmission cable is used between the antenna module and the control unit, then the system can be simpler in structure, but the cable length is restricted to around 0.9 metres due to susceptibility to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analog signal transmission system with a digital data transmission system. The transmission module converts the analog antenna signal to digital data, which is then transmitted via digital interfaces (UART, I2C, SPI, CAN bus) instead of analog cables. This substitution eliminates the 0.9m cable length restriction while maintaining system simplicity.
2Length of stationary object
If a complete transmission module with digital conversion is installed in the ignition lock area, then the cable length limitation is avoided, but manufacturing costs increase due to multiple separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (microcontroller, oscillator, voltage regulator, interface module, stimulus/read module) into a single integrated transmission module. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, stocked, and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the digital conversion capability that eliminates cable length limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated transmission module performs multiple functions within a single component: it receives analog signals from the antenna, converts them to digital data, provides voltage regulation, generates clock signals, and communicates via various digital interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system component count and simplifies manufacturing.
3Length of stationary object
If a complete transmission module with digital conversion is installed in the ignition lock area, then the cable length limitation is avoided, but space requirements increase due to housing and multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components into a single compact transmission module, significantly reducing the space required in the ignition lock area. The integrated circuit housing occupies minimal space compared to separate modules for each function, while still providing digital conversion capability to eliminate cable length restrictions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used in the transmission module, then functionality can be more specialized, but the system reliability decreases due to more connection points and coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple specialized components into a single integrated transmission module, reducing the number of connection points and interfaces that could fail. The internal connections within the integrated circuit are more reliable than external cable connections between separate modules, while the module maintains all necessary specialized functions through its integrated design.
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 integrated circuit solution enhances the reliability and flexibility of the security module by reducing component count, minimizing space requirements, and enabling longer cable lengths for digital data transmission, thus addressing the constraints of existing systems while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna module (13) is configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals to and from a portable electronic enabling device (15)
Data Source
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AI summary
The safety module has a transmission module (17) having an integrated circuit (21), which has an oscillator circuit for making available an electrical oscillation signal. A suggestion or reading circuit is provided for producing an output signal, which is sent and for the selection of data from the received input signal. A voltage regulator circuit is provided for making available a constant electrical voltage, and an interface circuit is provided for making a digital data communication.