UWB Communication Unit Mode Switching for Vehicle Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for guiding vehicles to predefined locations, such as automated charging stations for electric vehicles, require multiple components to establish connections, localize vehicles, and detect foreign objects, leading to inefficiencies in resource and space usage.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) communication units that switch between communication, ranging, and radar modes to perform these functions in a single device, enabling efficient vehicle guidance and collision detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for connection establishment, vehicle localization, and foreign object detection, then each function can be performed reliably, but the system becomes complex and consumes excessive space and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines connection establishment, vehicle localization, and foreign object detection functions into a single integrated UWB communication unit. This unit can operate in different modes (communication mode, ranging mode, radar mode) to perform multiple functions that were previously required separate components, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The UWB communication unit is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: establishing connections with the charging station, determining vehicle position through ranging, and detecting foreign objects through radar operations. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for connection establishment, vehicle localization, and foreign object detection, then each function can be performed reliably, but the system consumes excessive space and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single UWB communication unit, significantly reducing the physical space required for the system. Instead of having separate hardware for connection establishment, localization, and object detection, all these functions are integrated into one compact unit that operates in different modes as needed
3Device complexity
If a single integrated UWB system is used for connection establishment, vehicle localization, and foreign object detection, then system complexity and space usage are reduced, but the system must efficiently switch between different operational modes
Solution Approach 1:
The UWB communication unit is designed with dynamic mode-switching capability, allowing it to adapt its operational mode based on the current task requirements. The controller dynamically configures the unit to operate in communication mode for connection establishment, ranging mode for localization, or radar mode for object detection, making the system flexible and easy to operate despite its multi-functional nature
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 integrated approach allows for cost-effective and space-efficient vehicle guidance, ensuring safe and accurate navigation to charging stations while reusing existing smart car access infrastructure for collision detection and path recalculation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more ultra-wideband (UWB) communication units configured to establish UWB communication with a UWB-enabled system
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided for facilitating guiding a vehicle to a predefined location, said system configured to be included in a vehicle and comprising: one or more ultra-wideband (UWB) communication units configured to establish UWB communication with a UWB-enabled system installed at said predefined location; a controller configured to control said UWB communication units; wherein the controller is configured to cause the UWB communication units to switch between a communication mode of operation, a ranging mode of operation and a radar mode of operation.