RV Software Update Gateway for Remote LIN/CAN Component Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating software components in recreational vehicles require a visit to a workshop, and updates for third-party components are often performed locally, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a central gateway connected to a cloud via a bus system (LIN/CAN bus) to manage software updates wirelessly, allowing updates to be distributed to components via a container-in-container approach, using a mobile phone as a router for connectivity, and ensuring data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software updates are performed locally at third-party components, then updates can be applied directly to the component, but the process requires a visit to a workshop and increases time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the recreational vehicle's control unit and the update source. The server receives update requests from the control unit, manages the update process, and distributes software updates to components. This eliminates the need for workshop visits, as users can initiate updates remotely and the system handles the process automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service software updates by allowing the recreational vehicle's control unit to automatically communicate with the server, receive updates, and distribute them to components without requiring user intervention or workshop involvement. The vehicle essentially updates itself through automated processes.
2Productivity
If software updates are performed locally at components, then updates can be applied directly, but the process lacks centralization and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the update management function into a centralized server that handles all update operations for multiple components. Instead of each component managing its own updates independently, the server consolidates update distribution, version control, and coordination functions, improving efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through centralized architecture.
3Reliability
If a centralized server system is implemented for software updates, then update distribution becomes efficient and coordinated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as an intermediary layer between the server and individual components, simplifying the architecture by handling communication protocols and data transmission. This allows the server to focus on update management while the gateway manages the complexity of component-specific interfaces, thereby improving reliability without requiring excessive complexity at any single level.
4Reliability
If third-party components are updated locally, then manufacturer-specific updates can be applied, but compatibility issues may arise with other vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The server implements a feedback mechanism where it receives information about the recreational vehicle's configuration, existing software versions, and component compatibility requirements. Based on this feedback, the server selects and distributes compatible updates that ensure proper integration with other vehicle components, thereby maintaining reliability while keeping the update process simple for users.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Update procedure for the software of components of a recreational vehicle (1), in particular a motorhome or caravan, in which the components (2, 3, 4) are connected to a control unit (6) via a bus system (5), in particular a LIN/CAN bus. It is proposed that the control unit (6) is connected as a gateway (6') to a server (7), in particular a cloud, in which updates (8) are available and the gateway (6') checks the update status of the software of component (2, 3, 4) or components (2, 3, 4) and, if necessary, downloads the update and distributes it to component (2, 3, 4) or components (2, 3, 4).