Automotive Light Unit Self-Configuration for Mixed LED Boards
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive vehicle light units require manual configuration of control boards through soldering or jumpers, leading to errors and inefficiencies in mass production.
Innovation Solution
A light unit with LED boards and a control board connected via communication buses, utilizing a microcontroller that reads identification information from memory to select a translation program for converting light commands into driver commands, eliminating the need for manual configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration methods (soldering or cutting resistors or jumpers) are used for control boards, then the assembly process can be completed, but the assembly time is long and errors are frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration methods (soldering, cutting resistors or jumpers) with an automated electronic identification and software-based translation system. The microcontroller automatically reads identification information from the LED board via communication bus and selects the appropriate translation program, eliminating manual intervention and its associated time loss and errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-configuration through automatic identification. The microcontroller autonomously reads the identification information from the LED board, selects the corresponding translation program, and configures itself without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operators to manually configure control boards, thereby reducing assembly time and errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration methods are used, then the control board can be adapted to different LED boards, but the process is complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control board design that can adapt to multiple types of LED boards through software-based identification and translation. Instead of requiring different hardware configurations for different LED board types, a single control board design with multiple translation programs can serve various LED board configurations, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configuration approach from physical parameter changes (soldering, cutting resistors or jumpers) to software parameter changes (selecting translation programs based on identification information). This allows the control board to adapt to different LED boards by changing software parameters rather than physical hardware, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If software-based automatic configuration is implemented, then assembly time is reduced and errors are eliminated, but additional components (memory, communication bus) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication bus as an intermediary between the LED board and control board, enabling automatic identification and configuration. This intermediary facilitates the exchange of identification information and translation program selection, allowing software-based automatic configuration that improves productivity while managing system complexity through a standardized communication interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing identification information in the LED board's memory and pre-programming multiple translation programs in the microcontroller. This preliminary preparation enables automatic configuration during assembly without requiring complex real-time decision-making or additional configuration steps, thereby improving productivity while keeping the system structure manageable.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a light unit (100) of an automotive vehicle (1) comprising : - at least one LED board (110, 120) comprising LEDs (111) and at least one LED driver (112), the LED board being connected to a first communication bus (150) for receiving driver commands, - a control board (130) including a microcontroller (131) connected to a second communication bus (140) for receiving a control signal from the automotive vehicle (1), and to the first communication bus (150) for sending driver commands to the LED drivers, and the microcontroller (131) translating received light command into a driver command, wherein the LED board (110, 120) comprises an identification information and wherein the microcontroller (131) is configured for reading the identification information at power on and for selecting a translation program, the selected translation program performing the translation of the received light commands into the driver commands