USB3.0 Auxiliary Channel CAN Transmission for Robot Wiring Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The use of independent networking buses and physical interfaces to transmit CAN signals increases the quantity of wiring harnesses and interface occupancy in robot systems, particularly in autonomous navigation systems.

Innovation Solution

A signal transmission system utilizing a USB3.0 data cable with an auxiliary channel to transmit CAN signals between a signal transmission host and slave, incorporating identification units to ensure correct channel establishment and data direction switching, reducing the need for additional wiring harnesses and interface occupancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If independent networking buses and physical interfaces are used to transmit CAN signals, then CAN signal transmission is achieved, but the quantity of wiring harnesses and interface occupancy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCAN signal transmissionVSAvoidwiring harness quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines CAN signal transmission with USB data cable transmission by utilizing the auxiliary channel (SBU1 and SBU2) of the USB3.0 data cable. This merging approach allows the CAN bus to share the physical infrastructure already present for USB data transmission, thereby eliminating the need for separate independent wiring harnesses and reducing interface occupancy while maintaining reliable CAN signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If independent networking buses are used to transmit CAN signals, then CAN communication is ensured, but interface occupancy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCAN communicationVSAvoidinterface occupancy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The USB3.0 data cable is designed with multi-functionality to serve both its original USB data transmission purpose and CAN signal transmission. The auxiliary channel (SBU1 and SBU2) within the existing USB interface structure is repurposed to carry CAN bus signals, allowing a single interface to perform multiple functions and thereby reducing the need for additional dedicated interfaces for CAN communication.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4693056A1Signal transmission system and robot
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 JUXING TECH SHENZHEN CO LTD
  • EP4693056A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4693056A1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4693056A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a signal transmission system and a robot. Said signal transmission system includes: a signal transmission host and a signal transmission slave, where the signal transmission host and the signal transmission slave are connected via a universal serial bus USB3.0 data cable, and the USB3.0 data cable includes an auxiliary channel; the auxiliary channel in the USB3.0 data cable is configured to transmit a CAN signal between the signal transmission host and the signal transmission slave.