Vehicle Communication Unit Auto-Configuration for Software Cluster Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual updating of communication units in vehicle control units is time-consuming and complex due to the increasing complexity and frequency of software cluster updates, especially in AUTOSAR environments.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using a Multi-Device Connector Routine that automatically updates the communication unit by generating new manifests and configuration tables based on updated or added/removed software clusters, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual updating of communication unit is performed, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but updating time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidupdating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-configuration through automated generation of communication unit configuration based on software cluster manifests. The Multi-Device Connector Routine automatically reads manifests, generates configuration tables, and updates the communication unit without manual intervention, enabling the system to update itself while maintaining configuration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration data is prepared in advance in the form of software cluster manifests that contain all necessary communication interface definitions. These manifests are generated before the actual update process, so that when updating is needed, the communication unit can be automatically reconfigured using pre-prepared configuration data, significantly reducing update time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual configuration of communication unit is performed, then configuration correctness is ensured, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration correctnessVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical process of configuring communication interfaces is replaced by an automated software-based system. The Multi-Device Connector Routine uses software algorithms to automatically generate and apply configuration settings based on software cluster manifests, eliminating manual configuration operations while maintaining correctness through systematic automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The software cluster manifest acts as an intermediary that contains standardized communication interface definitions. This manifest serves as the intermediary data structure between the software clusters and the communication unit configuration, allowing automated translation and generation of correct configuration settings without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent software cluster updates are performed, then system adaptability improves, but communication unit update frequency and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidcommunication unit update complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic configuration where the communication unit configuration is automatically adjusted in response to software cluster updates. The Multi-Device Connector Routine dynamically generates new configuration tables based on updated software cluster manifests, allowing the system to adapt to frequent changes without increasing operational complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Software cluster manifests are prepared in advance with complete communication interface definitions before updates occur. This preliminary preparation of configuration data in standardized format enables rapid automated updates of the communication unit whenever software clusters change, supporting frequent updates while maintaining low complexity through systematic automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4309033B1Computer-implemented method and device for the automated update of a communication unit of a control unit of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP4309033B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4309033B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4309033B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method and a device for the automated update of a communication unit (200) of a control unit (100) of a vehicle, which comprises a plurality of software clusters (300), the method comprising the following steps: - providing the control unit (100) of the vehicle, which comprises a plurality of software clusters (300), a communication unit (200) and a Multi Device Connector Routine (190), the communication unit (200) being designed for handling a communication between the software clusters (300) and comprising therefor a dedicated manifest (320) and a configuration table; - updating at least one of the software clusters (300); - executing the Multi Device Connector Routine (190), wherein - at least the manifest (320) of the updated software cluster (300) is read in; - at least a new manifest (320) is generated for the communication unit (200) by means of the read-in manifest (320); - at least a new configuration table is generated for the communication unit (200).