Modular Vehicle Sensing System with Cloud Firmware Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle sensor systems lack customizability and require full unit replacement for upgrades, and data sharing and aggregation are complicated due to individual component functionality, especially when connecting to cellular networks.
Innovation Solution
A modular vehicle system with separate components that can be plugged and played using direct support or adapters, communicating via wired or wireless methods, and connected to cloud services for firmware and software updates through a dedicated smartphone application or cloud dashboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sensor systems use integrated units, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability and customizability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the vehicle sensor ecosystem into independent modular components: cloud services, hardware connection units, and interchangeable modules (cameras, sensors, processors). Each module can be independently selected, added, or removed without affecting the core system, enabling customization while maintaining reliable connections through standardized interfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional systems require full unit replacement for upgrades, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates upgradeable components (modules) from the permanent infrastructure (hardware connection unit and cloud services). Users can upgrade specific modules independently without replacing the entire system, reducing both manufacturing complexity and upgrade complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system evolves from static integrated units to dynamic modular configurations. The hardware connection unit provides a stable foundation while modules can be dynamically added, removed, or upgraded based on user needs, making the system adaptable without requiring full replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If components act individually, then component independence is improved, but data sharing and aggregation complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges independent modules with the cloud services through the hardware connection unit, creating a unified data aggregation layer. This allows individual modules to maintain independence while automatically sharing data through standardized protocols, reducing the complexity of data integration for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardware connection unit and cloud services act as intermediaries between independent modules. They provide standardized data aggregation and sharing mechanisms, allowing components to remain independent while simplifying the complexity of inter-component communication and data exchange.
4Reliability
If cellular connectivity is provided for car accessories at the provider edge, then network coverage is improved, but system complexity and integration requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware connection unit provides universal connectivity functionality, supporting both cloud services and cellular network access through a single integrated interface. This multi-functional approach allows car accessories to access cellular networks without requiring separate integration solutions for each component, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modularized system for assembling electronic systems within vehicles, including a hardware connection unit embedded in a vehicle, a plurality of modules in the vehicle, communicating with the hardware connection unit, either by direct support or by an adaptor, and communicating with each other either by wired or by wireless communication, and a cellular device in the vehicle, communicating with the hardware connection unit and with one or more cloud services, and downloading firmware and software for the modules from the one or more cloud services, wherein the system is viewed and modified using a dedicated smartphone application or a cloud dashboard.