Reflectometer Modules for Vehicle Power Line Abnormality Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Detecting and analyzing abnormalities in vehicle power line communication networks is challenging due to complex network structures, poor connections, and the absence of termination or impedance matching, making it difficult to identify faults and defects.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a power line communication network with reflectometer modules that transmit and receive pilot signals to perform reflectometry processing, allowing for the detection, location, and characterization of abnormalities in the power lines and connected modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If power line communication is used to reduce wiring complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but detection precision of abnormalities worsens due to lack of termination and impedance matching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidabnormality detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by transmitting known pilot signals through the power line communication network before actual communication occurs. These pilot signals serve as reference markers that enable subsequent reflectometry measurements to detect abnormalities in the network, allowing the system to compensate for the lack of termination and impedance matching in the existing wiring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary reflectometer modules that act as mediators between the power line communication network and the diagnostic system. These modules transmit and receive pilot signals, process reflections, and generate diagnostic information about abnormalities in the network, enabling precise detection without requiring the power lines themselves to be terminated or impedance-matched.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If reflectometry processing is implemented to detect abnormalities, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional modules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabnormality detection precisionVSAvoidmodule complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflectometer modules are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as communication nodes in the power line communication network and as diagnostic devices capable of detecting abnormalities. By integrating the reflectometry function into existing communication modules, the system avoids adding separate dedicated diagnostic hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by enabling the power line communication network to detect its own abnormalities through internally transmitted pilot signals and reflectometry processing. The same modules that handle normal communication tasks also perform diagnostic functions, allowing the network to self-diagnose without requiring external testing equipment or separate diagnostic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If pilot signals are transmitted for reflectometry analysis, then detection capability improves, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabnormality detection capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic action by transmitting pilot signals at specific intervals rather than continuously. The reflectometer modules send and receive pilot signals periodically to perform reflectometry measurements, allowing the system to maintain abnormality detection capability while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the transmission functionality inactive between measurement cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This approach enables cost-effective, on-board diagnostic systems to quickly identify and record abnormalities, reducing diagnostic time and eliminating the need for dedicated communication wiring, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of vehicle diagnostics.

Implementation Method 1

different loads, stubs, and different gauge wires can form discontinuities that generate reflections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9479220B2Methods and systems for detection and analysis of abnormalities in a power line communication network of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2016.10.25 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for detection and analysis of abnormalities in a power line communication network of a vehicle. The vehicle includes various vehicle modules. The power line communication network includes power lines designed to carry electric power to the vehicle modules. Each vehicle module includes a power line communication module that is communicatively coupled to at least one of the power lines. The power line communication modules enable the power lines to communicate communication information to and from the vehicle modules. The power line communication modules can communicate pilot signals over the power line communication network. One or more of the power line communication modules includes a reflectometer module configured to perform reflectometry processing on the pilot signals to determine properties of the power line communication network.