Vehicle Electronic Module Location Detection Using Orientation Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic modules in vehicles are limited by the number of input pins in the vehicle wiring harness, restricting their ability to determine their location across a broader range of positions within the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an internal sensor, such as an accelerometer, to provide an additional datum point for the I/O interface, effectively converting an n-bit I/O interface into an n+1 bit interface, allowing the module to detect twice the number of locations, up to 2n+1, by determining its physical orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of input pins in the vehicle wiring harness is increased to detect more locations, then the number of detectable locations increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the location detection system by incorporating an accelerometer that provides time-varying data about the module's physical orientation and motion. This additional dimension of information (acceleration data over time) allows the system to distinguish between more locations using the same physical pins, effectively converting an n-bit spatial interface into an n+1 bit interface without adding physical pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerometer acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the limited physical connection (n pins) and the need for higher location discrimination (2n+1 locations). By introducing this intermediate sensor that provides additional datum points about physical orientation, the system achieves higher adaptability without increasing the complexity of the wiring harness or connector design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated ECMs are manufactured for each installation location, then location-specific functionality is optimized, but manufacturing cost and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal ECM design that can function at multiple different installation locations within a vehicle. By incorporating an accelerometer and software that processes location data, a single ECM model can automatically adapt to its installed location and perform location-specific functions. This eliminates the need to manufacture separate dedicated ECMs for each location, reducing manufacturing cost and inventory complexity while maintaining full location-specific functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic software configuration based on detected location and physical orientation. The ECM dynamically adjusts its operational parameters and functions based on real-time data from the accelerometer and position pins, allowing a single static hardware design to achieve dynamic adaptability across multiple locations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the same electronic module to be used across twice the number of locations, simplifying installation and enabling a universal module that can operate appropriately based on its position within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The internal sensor is configured to measure acceleration along a plurality of sensing axes that are fixed in relation to the electronic module, for example the X, Y, and Z axes, such that the processor can recognize its physical orientation
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic module to automatically determine is position within a vehicle is provided. The electronic module includes a plurality of input connectors comprising an I/O interface for a vehicle wiring harness, the electronic module also including an accelerometer to provide an additional datum point. Based on the accelerometer output, the electronic module can determine if it is facing inward, toward the center of the vehicle, or facing laterally outward. In this respect, the electronic module can convert an n-bit I/O interface into an n+1 bit I/O interface to thereby double the number of locations that are detectable by the electronic module. For wiring harnesses limited to two physical pins, for example, only four locations are normally detectable, but with the additional accelerometer input, eight locations are detectable. As a result, the same electronic module can be used for up to eight locations, thereby simplifying installation.