Tiered Vehicle Time Synchronization for Transmission Interruptions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle synchronization systems face challenges in maintaining accurate time synchronization due to data transmission interruptions, which can disrupt vehicle coordination and control in manufacturing facilities.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tiered time synchronization protocol that utilizes primary and auxiliary synchronization data, along with a phase locked loop technique, to maintain vehicle system time synchronization by employing vehicle-localized time estimation and internal factors when primary data is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single primary synchronization system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the time synchronization reliability deteriorates when data transmission is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization system is segmented into multiple independent sources: a primary global synchronization system and multiple auxiliary synchronization systems. Each source can independently provide synchronization data, allowing the vehicle to switch between them based on availability, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely complex unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between primary and auxiliary synchronization sources based on real-time data availability. When primary synchronization data is unavailable, the system automatically transitions to using auxiliary synchronization data, creating a flexible and adaptive synchronization mechanism that maintains reliability under varying conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple synchronization sources are used, then the time synchronization reliability improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's control system automatically monitors the availability of synchronization data from multiple sources and autonomously selects the appropriate source without external intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for complex external coordination while maintaining high reliability through automatic failover.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple synchronization sources and establishes the selection logic in advance. When synchronization is needed, the system already has the auxiliary sources ready and the decision-making framework in place, allowing for rapid switching without complex real-time computations, thereby reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If primary synchronization data is always required, then the synchronization accuracy is high, but the system becomes vulnerable to transmission interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares auxiliary synchronization sources in advance as a cushion against potential primary source failures. These backup sources are kept ready but not actively used unless needed, providing a safety buffer that maintains synchronization continuity without compromising the primary high-precision source under normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that intelligently routes between the primary high-precision synchronization source and auxiliary sources. It monitors the primary source's health and seamlessly transitions to auxiliary sources when needed, mediating between the conflicting requirements of precision and continuity without requiring changes to the underlying synchronization technologies.
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
Ensures robust time synchronization for vehicle systems, enabling safe and efficient vehicle movement even in environments with data transmission disruptions, thereby enhancing vehicle coordination and control.
Implementation Method 1
synchronizing the vehicle system time employed by one or more vehicle modules disposed in the vehicle based on one of the primary synchronization data received, the auxiliary synchronization data received, or the vehicle-localized time estimated... In some variations, in response to the auxiliary synchronization data being received, the synchronizing the vehicle system time further includes setting, by the vehicle communication system, the vehicle system time based on the auxiliary synchronization data and a phase locked loop system of at least one of the one or more vehicle modules
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes estimating, by a vehicle communication system, a vehicle-localized time based on a previous vehicle system time and at least one internal factor in response to a primary synchronization data not being received and in response to an auxiliary synchronization data not being received. The previous vehicle system time is based on at least one of a previous primary synchronization data or a previous auxiliary synchronization data. The method further includes synchronizing, by the vehicle communication system, a vehicle system time employed by one or more vehicle modules disposed in the vehicle based on one of the primary synchronization data received, the auxiliary synchronization data received, or the vehicle-localized time estimated.