Modular Vehicle Terminal with Reversible Functional Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles with on-board electronics and portable communication terminals lack flexibility in accommodating and utilizing various functional modules, limiting their functionality and upgrade capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle with an electronic recording unit that allows for the reversible separation and attachment of functional modules, such as screens, cameras, and batteries, which can be individually connected to the on-board electronics, enabling modular design and upgrade of the communication terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a portable communication terminal is integrated into the motor vehicle with fixed functionality, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication terminal is divided into separate functional modules (display module, camera module, audio module, processing module) that can be independently attached or detached from the vehicle's electronic system. This segmentation allows the vehicle to adapt to different module combinations without requiring a completely different system architecture, thus improving adaptability while managing device complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's electronic system is designed with universal interfaces and protocols that can accommodate multiple types of functional modules from different communication terminals. The system can universally support various module configurations (e.g., different screen sizes, camera types, audio configurations) through a common attachment mechanism and communication protocol, enabling one system to serve multiple functions across different terminal configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If functional modules are made reversibly separable for modular design, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability may deteriorate due to connection interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism includes pre-designed contact elements and electrical connections that ensure reliable coupling before the module is fully operational. The system performs preliminary connection verification and establishes redundant communication paths before the module becomes active, cushioning against potential connection failures and ensuring continuous reliable operation even with reversible attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operational capability during module attachment and detachment operations. Power and data connections are designed to remain active throughout the attachment process, and the system can seamlessly switch between modules without interrupting the overall useful action (e.g., maintaining audio output or display functionality) even during module transitions, ensuring uninterrupted service.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate receiving spaces are provided for different functional modules, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple receiving spaces are designed with identical or compatible attachment mechanisms and interface protocols, allowing the same structural design to accommodate different types of functional modules. This universal receiving space design enables versatility in module selection while avoiding the need for complex, custom-designed receptacles for each module type, thus managing structural complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving spaces are arranged in a nested or hierarchical structure within the vehicle's electronic system, where modules can be attached in specific sequences or configurations. Smaller modules can be nested within or adjacent to larger receiving spaces, and the structure allows for hierarchical organization of functional modules, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining the capability to accommodate multiple different module types.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle, comprising on-board electronics and an in-vehicle electronic mounting unit (2) connected to the on-board electronics for a portable communications terminal, wherein the mounting unit (2) has at least one separate mounting place (9), which is designed for individually mounting a function module which can be separated in a reversible manner from the communication terminal and re-attached thereto in the state separated from the communications terminal, and for electronically coupling the separated function module to the on-board electronics in order to carry out the intended function of the function module.