Modular Vehicle Frame and Software Update Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electric and hybrid-electric vehicles are limited by standard frame sizes, shapes, and materials, failing to leverage new technologies and infrastructure, and lack adaptability to changing demands and safety advancements.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle system incorporates a modular frame with interchangeable subsystems and advanced power management, including redundant power distribution and energy recovery systems, enabling quick component exchange, enhanced safety, and efficient energy sharing between vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard frame sizes and shapes are used in traditional vehicles, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to new technologies and changing demands is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle frame is divided into modular sections with standardized interfaces, allowing independent replacement and reconfiguration of subsystems. This segmentation enables the frame to adapt to different technologies while maintaining a manageable overall structure through modular design principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure incorporates universal mounting points and standardized connection interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of subsystems and power sources. This multi-functionality allows the same frame to support different configurations for various technological advancements without requiring complete redesign.
2Reliability
If software updates are performed by overwriting existing code, then storage space is optimized, but system reliability is reduced due to loss of backup versions
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains backup copies of previous software versions in memory before performing updates. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if an update fails or introduces errors, the system can revert to the previous working version, thereby protecting system reliability at the cost of additional temporary storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly overwriting existing software code, the system creates copies of update packages and maintains multiple version copies in memory. This copying approach allows for safe testing and verification of updates before full deployment, improving reliability while managing storage through selective retention of critical backup versions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pointer is set to point to the first image of operating system code, then system startup is simplified, but flexibility to switch between versions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pointer managing software versions is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to be reconfigured to point to different software images as needed. This dynamic pointer can be updated through standardized interfaces to switch between different operating system versions, providing flexibility while maintaining relatively simple pointer management through centralized control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, updating software in a remote device comprises operating on a first image of an operating system code, updating to a second image of the operating system code, wherein updating to the second image comprises operating on the second image while maintaining the first image in memory, and in response to detecting an error in operating on the second image, operating on the first image of the operating system code maintained in the memory accessible by the ECU. Operating on the first image of the operating system code can comprise saving the first image in the memory and executing the first image based on a pointer to the first image. Updating can comprise saving the second image without overwriting or erasing the first image and executing the second image based on a pointer to the second image.