Vehicle add-on control system

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of operating multiple additional devices in camping vehicles, each with different functionalities and supplied by various manufacturers, often requires multiple remote controls, making it cumbersome to manage and control these devices independently of the vehicle's systems.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle additional device operating system that employs a bus data transmission system for vehicle devices and an independent additional device data transmission system, utilizing multiple radio data transmission systems, including Bluetooth and mobile radio, to enable centralized control and monitoring of all additional devices via a communication unit and mobile operating units, allowing for remote intervention and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple additional devices with different functionalities are provided in a camping vehicle, then the functionality and versatility of the vehicle are improved, but the complexity of operating these devices increases and multiple remote controls are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality of additional devicesVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal remote control system that can operate multiple different additional devices (auxiliary heater, video system, audio system, stove, microwave, dishwasher, lighting system) through a single interface. The communication unit establishes data exchange connections with various control units of different device types, allowing one remote control to replace multiple device-specific remotes, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining full functionality across all devices

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple additional devices from different suppliers are integrated, then the versatility of the vehicle is improved, but the difficulty of controlling and coordinating these devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidcontrol difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a communication unit as an intermediary between the remote control and various additional devices from different suppliers. This communication unit establishes data exchange connections with control units of different device types, acting as a mediator that translates and coordinates control signals. This intermediary layer enables seamless communication across devices from different manufacturers without requiring direct integration between each device pair, significantly easing operational control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional devices are operated independently of the vehicle system, then the autonomy of the camping structure is improved, but the complexity of managing separate systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidsystem management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of independently operated additional devices with the vehicle's existing data transmission system through a bus data transmission system. The communication unit integrates with the vehicle's data bus, allowing additional devices to be managed through a unified system architecture rather than separate independent systems. This merging reduces system management complexity by consolidating control pathways while preserving the autonomous operation capability of each additional device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system simplifies the operation of multiple additional devices by allowing them to be addressed and controlled through a single communication unit, ensuring independent operation and reducing the need for multiple remote controls, while enabling remote access and maintenance, even when vehicle systems are inactive.

Implementation Method 1

the communication unit is designed to exchange data with the at least one mobile operating unit by means of a first radio data transmission system, and wherein the communication unit is designed to exchange data with a remote intervention system by means of a second radio data transmission system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio data transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3587152B1Vehicle add-on control system
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 EBERSPAECHER CLIMATE CONTROL SYST GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3587152B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A vehicle accessory control system comprises: - a plurality of accessory devices (28, 30, 32) housed or to be housed in a vehicle, - a communication unit (36), - an accessory data transmission system (38) connecting the accessory devices (28, 30, 32) of the plurality of accessory devices (28, 30, 32) for data exchange with the communication unit (36), - at least one mobile control unit (40), wherein the communication unit (36) is configured for data exchange with the at least one mobile control unit (40) by means of a first radio data transmission system (42), and wherein the communication unit (36) is configured for data exchange with a remote intervention system (46) by means of a second radio data transmission system (44).