Modular In-Vehicle Circuit Blocks for Cost-Effective Function Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems for vehicles require replacing entire master and slave devices for function additions or design changes, leading to high costs.
Innovation Solution
A communication system comprising multiple slave devices and a master device, configured by combining different types of circuit blocks on separate substrates, with a writing device to set IDs and control output switches, allowing for incremental function changes and design updates without replacing the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire master device and slave devices are replaced when a function addition or design change occurs, then the system can achieve the new function or design, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The master device and slave devices are divided into multiple independent circuit blocks (first circuit block, second circuit block, third circuit block, etc.), each performing specific functions. This segmentation allows individual blocks to be replaced or updated independently rather than replacing the entire device, thereby reducing costs while maintaining adaptability for function additions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire circuit layer is replaced when a function addition occurs, then the new function can be implemented, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit layer is segmented into multiple independent circuit blocks that can be selectively replaced. Each circuit block is designed to perform specific functions, allowing partial updates without affecting other blocks. This reduces both cost and complexity compared to replacing the entire circuit layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system uses a universal communication protocol that allows different circuit blocks to interact through standardized interfaces. This multi-functionality enables various combinations of circuit blocks to work together, reducing the need for complete system replacement when functions need to be added or modified.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple circuit blocks are combined to configure master and slave devices, then function addition becomes more flexible and cost-effective, but the device configuration and ID management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each circuit block is equipped with a unique ID that is automatically recognized and managed by the communication system. When circuit blocks are combined to form master or slave devices, the system automatically handles ID assignment and device configuration through standardized communication protocols, reducing the manual configuration complexity despite the increased number of components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a communication system capable of performing function addition and design change inexpensively. The communication system 1 includes a plurality of slave devices 301 to 303 and a master device 2 communicating with the plurality of slave devices 301 to 303. The control blocks 8 and 9 control the slave devices 301 to 303 or the master device 2. The input blocks 10A and 10B input the input signals to input ports P11 to P18 of the control blocks 8 and 9, respectively. The output blocks 11A and 11B include semiconductor relays CH1 to CH4 that are turned on and off according to output signals output from the output ports P21 to P28 of the control blocks 8 and 9, respectively. The power supply block 6 supplies power to the control blocks 8 and 9. These blocks 6 to 11A and 11B are configured on separate substrates. The communication block 7 has a communication I/F circuit. The slave devices 301 to 303 or the master device 2 are configured by combining plural types of blocks 6 to 11A and 11B.