In-Vehicle Network Redundancy via Segmented Communication Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle network systems are vulnerable to failures in communication lines or nodes, which can disrupt the upper node's control functions and impact the overall robustness of the network.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a redundant communication system configuration with an upper device connected to intermediate devices via multiple communication paths, allowing lower devices to communicate using different systems, ensuring continued functionality even if one path fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If functions are integrated into the upper node in a network system, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to communication line failures
Solution Approach 1:
The network system is segmented into multiple independent communication paths (first communication path with first communication system, second communication path with second communication system) between the upper node and lower nodes. This segmentation allows the system to isolate failures to specific paths while maintaining functionality through alternative paths, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of communication system diversity by implementing multiple communication systems (first communication system and second communication system) with different technical characteristics. This parameter change enables the system to withstand failures in one communication system while maintaining operation through another, resolving the contradiction between simplified device architecture and system reliability.
2Device complexity
If a single communication path is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The single communication path is segmented into multiple independent communication paths (first communication path and second communication path) that can operate independently. Each path uses a different communication system, creating redundancy that improves reliability while keeping individual path complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by preparing alternative communication paths in advance. When a failure occurs in one communication path, the system can immediately switch to the other pre-configured path, cushioning against the impact of the failure and maintaining system reliability without requiring complex real-time decision-making.
3Reliability
If redundant communication paths are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The redundant communication system is segmented into distinct, independent communication paths using different communication systems. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized and managed separately, preventing the complexity from compounding while still achieving the reliability benefits of redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper node and lower nodes are designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication systems. This universality allows the same hardware platform to handle both first communication system and second communication system, reducing the need for separate dedicated hardware for each path and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An in-vehicle network system includes: an upper device (10); a first intermediate unit (21; 23) that is connected to the upper device directly or via at least one device and is configured to communicate with the upper device using a first communication system; a second intermediate unit (22; 24) that is connected to the upper device directly or via at least one device and is configured to communicate with the upper device using a second communication system; and a lower unit (31; 32, 33) that is connected to the first intermediate unit and the second intermediate unit and is configured to communicate with the first intermediate unit using the first communication system and communicate with the second intermediate unit using the second communication system.