Telematics Unit Integrating Cellular and Satellite for Battery Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Telematics systems in vehicles drain power from the battery when the ignition is off and are unable to provide services in areas with limited or no cellular coverage, requiring drivers to use landlines for assistance.
Innovation Solution
A Telematics system that integrates both cellular and satellite functionalities, with a controller determining the best communication method based on availability and cost, and programmably controlling power consumption to conserve battery life by using timers and power modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing Telematics systems use cellular transceivers to provide remote services, then Telematics services can be provided wirelessly, but the system becomes unable to operate in areas with limited or no cellular coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cellular transceiver and satellite receiver functionalities into a single Telematics unit. The controller is configured to establish communication with a service provider using either the cellular transceiver or the satellite receiver, enabling the system to operate in both cellular-covered and cellular-denied areas, thereby resolving the contradiction between service availability and reliability in remote areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The Telematics unit is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both cellular and satellite communication capabilities. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different communication environments, providing reliable Telematics services whether the vehicle is in an area with cellular coverage or not, thus improving both adaptability and reliability.
2Productivity
If Telematics units continuously monitor for communications to provide immediate service, then service responsiveness is improved, but battery power is drained faster
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is configured to monitor for communications from the service provider at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously. This periodic monitoring approach maintains service responsiveness by checking for messages at regular intervals while significantly reducing battery power consumption compared to continuous monitoring, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its monitoring behavior based on operational needs. The controller can vary the monitoring interval and select between cellular and satellite receivers based on availability and power considerations, optimizing the balance between service responsiveness and battery conservation in real-time.
3Reliability
If the Telematics unit monitors for communications while the vehicle ignition is off, then service availability is maintained, but battery power is drained
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors for communications at predetermined time intervals even when the vehicle ignition is off, maintaining service availability while minimizing battery power drain. This periodic monitoring ensures the system remains responsive to service provider communications without requiring continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on the vehicle ignition state. When the ignition is off, the controller reduces monitoring intensity and selects lower-power communication modes, thereby maintaining basic service availability while significantly reducing battery power drain compared to continuous high-power operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle Telematics unit includes a cellular transceiver and a satellite receiver. At least one controller controls the transceiver and the receiver and determines which one to use to communicate with a source of Telematics service. If the transceiver is to be used, the controller receives messages in cellular communications from the source with a cellular network. If the receiver is to be used, the controller receives messages in satellite communications from the source with a satellite network. The controller can programmably control power from a battery to the transceiver and receiver when the vehicle is turned off using discontinuous reception parameters, designated on/off times, a controlled duration, and programmable timers. The transceiver is used to return acknowledgments of messages received. If a message is received with the receiver, the acknowledgment is stored so it can be sent at another time when the transceiver is to be used.