Removable Protocol Converter for Vehicle Head Unit Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The gap between the rapid development of consumer electronics and the slower automotive development cycles results in existing head units being unable to effectively utilize the features and applications provided by modern mobile communication devices, requiring costly upgrades and compatibility issues with protocols used by Apple's CarPlay and Android Auto Link systems.

Innovation Solution

A removable device with separate communication modules for bi-directional communication with both the head unit and mobile communication device, acting as an interpreter to provide services by processing data and control signals, allowing seamless integration and access to advanced features without the need for costly upgrades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If head units are upgraded to accommodate new features of CE devices, then compatibility and functionality are improved, but cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into three independent segments: the existing head unit, the protocol converter device, and the CE device. Each segment maintains its own functionality and protocol stack, eliminating the need to modify the complex head unit while achieving compatibility through the intermediate converter segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A protocol converter device acts as an intermediary between the head unit and CE devices. This mediator translates protocols bidirectionally, allowing the head unit to communicate with modern CE devices without requiring upgrades to the head unit's internal architecture or protocol implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If head units are upgraded to support new CE device protocols, then functionality is improved, but cost increases from 300 USD to 3,000 USD

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protocol conversion functionality is extracted from the head unit and placed into a separate, inexpensive device. This extraction allows the head unit to remain unchanged while the conversion function is implemented in a cost-effective standalone unit that can be added by end customers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of investing in expensive, long-term head unit upgrades, the solution uses inexpensive protocol converter devices that can be easily replaced or updated. This approach treats the conversion layer as a disposable or upgradable component rather than modifying the permanent head unit infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If existing head units are used without upgrades, then cost is reduced, but compatibility with modern CE devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidcompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The protocol converter serves as an intermediary layer that enables existing, cost-effective head units to communicate with modern CE devices. This mediator handles protocol translation transparently, allowing legacy head units to gain compatibility with contemporary devices without any modification to the head unit itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If Apple's CarPlay or Android Auto Link are implemented directly, then functionality is improved, but protocol compatibility requirements increase head unit complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protocol converter implements CarPlay and Android Auto Link functionality as an intermediary layer. It handles all protocol-specific processing, authentication, and data translation, allowing the head unit to interact with these systems through simplified, standardized interfaces without needing to implement the complex proprietary protocols directly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11374809B2Auxiliary device to enhance native in-vehicle systems by adding interfaces and computational power

Publication Date: 2022.06.28 HARMAN BECKER AUTOMOTIVE SYST GMBH

AI summary

The present invention provides a removable device, adapted to connect to a head unit of a vehicle and comprising: a first communication module configured for bi-directional communication of data with the head unit; a second communication module configured for bi-directional communication of data with a wireless network, in particular a mobile telecommunication network; a memory unit storing an application programming interface (API) implementing at least a first protocol for the communication with the head unit via the first communication module; and a control unit comprising at least one processing unit adapted to execute the API; wherein the control unit is configured to provide at least one service to the head unit via the first communication module.