Signal Modulation for Single-Cable Control and Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transferring control signals and data signals in motor vehicles are complex and require multiple cables, leading to increased costs and weight due to the need for separate transmission mediums.

Innovation Solution

The method involves modulating control and data signals using frequency modulation, time-multiplexing, or orthogonal frequency modulation (OFDM) to transmit them over a single physical medium, such as a cable, allowing for secure and efficient separation at the receiver side.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If control signals and data signals are transferred using separate cables, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines control signals and data signals into a single communication cable, merging previously separate transmission channels. This reduces the number of cables and connectors needed, thereby decreasing device complexity while maintaining reliable signal transmission through proper signal separation techniques at the receiver端

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single communication cable serves multiple functions by transmitting both control signals and data signals simultaneously. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated separate cables for each signal type, reducing overall system complexity while preserving transmission reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple cables are used for control and data signals, then signal interference is reduced, but weight and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interference reductionVSAvoidvehicle weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cables are merged into a single communication cable that carries both control and data signals. This consolidation directly reduces the weight of the cable harness while implementing signal separation techniques to prevent interference, thus achieving weight reduction without sacrificing signal integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate cables are used for control and data signals, then signal security is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal securityVSAvoidmanufacturing costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges control and data signal transmission into a single cable system, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This lowers manufacturing costs while implementing signal separation and encryption techniques to maintain security standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If a single cable is used for both control and data signals, then device complexity is reduced, but data transfer rate may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddata transfer rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The single communication cable is segmented into separate channels for control signals and data signals. This segmentation allows both signal types to be transmitted simultaneously without interfering with each other, maintaining high data transfer rates while keeping the system simpler than using multiple separate cables

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

5Weight of moving object

If control and data signals are transmitted over a common physical medium, then weight is reduced, but signal separation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable harness weightVSAvoidsignal separation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediary signal processing unit is implemented at the receiver端 to separate control and data signals from the common physical medium. This intermediary component handles the complexity of signal separation, allowing the cable harness to remain simple and lightweight while ensuring proper signal differentiation through dedicated processing circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces complexity and costs by using a single cable for both signal types, enabling higher data transfer rates and weight reduction while ensuring secure separation and high data security.

Implementation Method 1

frequency modulation is used as the modulation to modulate the control signals and/or the data signals with different or differentiable frequency signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

prior to the transfer the control signals and/or the data signals are converted into a digital data stream by a time-multiplexing method, wherein the digital data stream is subsequently frequency modulated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOrthogonal frequency modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS9768920B2Method for transferring control signals and data signals, circuit configuration for transferring and receiving
Publication Date: 2017.09.19 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • US9768920B2 patent drawing
  • US9768920B2 patent drawing
  • US9768920B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for transferring control signals and data signals, particularly in a motor vehicle. The control signals and the data signals are transferred by a physical medium. The control signals or the data signals are modulated prior to transferring. The modulated signals and the non-modulated signals are sent by the physical medium.