Master Functional Unit for Synchronized Vehicle Network Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for setting the operating behavior of functional units in vehicle communication networks result in undesirable time delays due to the separate generation and transmission of setting commands across different communication channels, particularly when redundant functional units need to be synchronized.

Innovation Solution

A method where a single setting command is transmitted to a master functional unit, which evaluates and distributes functional unit-specific commands to other units via different communication channels, allowing for simultaneous adjustment of operating behaviors across multiple functional units, reducing the need for multiple command generations and transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate setting commands are generated and transmitted to each functional unit via separate channels, then each functional unit can be configured individually, but time delays occur between when the operating behavior is set in several functional units

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndividual configuration capabilityVSAvoidTime delay in setting operating behavior
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate setting command transmissions into a single unified setting command that is transmitted to a master functional unit. This master unit then distributes the configuration to multiple slave functional units simultaneously, eliminating the sequential time delays that would occur with separate transmissions to each unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a master functional unit as an intermediary between the external configuration system and multiple slave functional units. This master unit receives a single setting command and acts as a mediator to distribute configurations to multiple slave units, coordinating their simultaneous configuration and eliminating timing discrepancies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If a single setting command is transmitted to a master functional unit for distribution, then time delays are reduced and synchronization is improved, but the device complexity increases due to master-slave architecture

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTime delay in setting operating behaviorVSAvoidMaster-slave architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master functional unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a slave unit that can receive XCP protocol commands, functions as a master that distributes settings to other slave units, and coordinates synchronization across the network. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated coordination hardware, offsetting the architectural complexity with functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3813309B1Method and device for adjusting an operating behaviour of at least one functional unit and system
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3813309B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for adjusting the operating behavior of at least one functional unit in a vehicle communication network, which comprises at least two functional units, wherein at least one adjustment command is transmitted to a master functional unit, wherein at least the adjustment command is evaluated by the master functional unit, wherein an MCCC operating mode or an MCSC operating mode is determined by the evaluation, wherein in the MCSC operating mode the operating behavior of exactly one functional unit is adjusted by the master functional unit and in the MCCC operating mode the operating behavior of at least two functional units is adjusted by the master functional unit.