Heavy-Duty Vehicle Communication System Logical Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle communication systems, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles, face limitations in flexibility and security when enabling communication between a main controller and add-on modules, such as trailers or superstructures, over Controller Area Network (CAN), which restricts data transfer and information security.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a vehicle communication system that establishes a separate logical network segment for each add-on module to communicate with the main controller, optionally using an Application Program Interface (API) for secure and controlled data access, and incorporating an in-vehicle application controller to host applications without interference, with communication links being either wired or wireless.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate logical network segment is established for each add-on module, then communication security and flexibility are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the communication network into separate logical network segments, with each add-on module assigned its own dedicated segment. This segmentation isolates communication channels, preventing unauthorized access between modules while maintaining secure connection to the main controller, thereby resolving the contradiction between security and complexity through structured network architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an application controller as an intermediary component that manages communication between add-on modules and the main controller. This intermediary handles authentication, data routing, and security protocols, reducing the burden on individual modules while maintaining high security standards, thus resolving the complexity-security trade-off

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an API is implemented for secure data access, then information security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation securityVSAvoiddata access convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an API that enables add-on modules to autonomously access authorized data and functions through standardized interfaces. The API handles authentication and permission verification automatically, allowing modules to serve themselves without manual intervention while maintaining strict security controls, thus resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple vendor applications are hosted in the same controller, then adaptability is improved, but system stability worsens due to potential interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-vendor application supportVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the application hosting environment within the controller, creating isolated execution contexts for each vendor's application. This segmentation allows multiple applications to run concurrently without interfering with each other, maintaining system stability while supporting diverse vendor solutions, thus resolving the adaptability-stability contradiction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent assigns different security and execution parameters to each application based on its specific requirements and trust level. Each application receives customized access permissions and resource allocation, allowing the system to accommodate diverse vendor applications with varying needs while maintaining overall system stability through localized quality control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20240013585A1Vehicle communication system, control unit, and method for enabling communication between a main controller of a heavy-duty vehicle and one or more add-on module(s)
Publication Date: 2024.01.11 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • US20240013585A1 patent drawing
  • US20240013585A1 patent drawing
  • US20240013585A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle communication system for enabling communication between a main controller of a heavy-duty vehicle and one or more add-on module(s) arranged to be connected to the heavy-duty vehicle. The vehicle communication system comprises a logical network segment arranged for communication between each add-on module and the main controller thereby enabling each add-on module to communicate with the main controller over a separate logical network segment.