Vehicle Communication Modules for 360-Degree Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication devices for motor vehicles are not cost-effective for retrofitting and require significant modifications, including roof antennas that obstruct the vehicle's appearance and increase costs, limiting the effectiveness of vehicle-to-vehicle communication.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with multiple wireless communication modules that can be positioned at various locations on the vehicle, including the passenger compartment, to provide comprehensive 360-degree coverage without the need for a single omnidirectional antenna, allowing for independent and bidirectional data exchange, and integration with the vehicle's power and data systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single communication module with 360-degree radio radius is used, then reliable vehicle-to-vehicle communication is achieved, but the device complexity and retrofitting cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single omnidirectional communication module into multiple directional communication modules (first communication module at front, second communication module at rear). Each module covers a specific angular sector, and together they provide complete 360-degree coverage. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual modules while maintaining overall communication reliability.
2Reliability
If a roof antenna is installed for 360-degree coverage, then communication reliability is improved, but the visual appearance is degraded and retrofitting cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single visible roof antenna, the patent segments the communication function into multiple modules distributed within the vehicle body (front communication module, rear communication module). These modules are integrated into the vehicle structure and not visible from outside, maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing 360-degree coverage through their distributed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the antenna from the traditional roof-mounted position and integrates the communication modules directly into the vehicle body structure at strategic locations. This extraction eliminates the need for visible external antennas while maintaining communication functionality through the body-integrated modules.
3Device complexity
If a single communication module is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the coverage area is insufficient due to radio impediments from vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coverage area into multiple zones, each handled by a directional communication module. The first module covers the front angular sector, the second module covers the rear angular sector. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific zone, achieving complete coverage without requiring a single complex omnidirectional module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point (one module) to a distributed multi-point architecture. By positioning modules at different locations within the vehicle body (front and rear positions), the system creates spatial diversity that overcomes radio impediments from vehicle components, effectively expanding the coverage area through dimensional distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device for a motor vehicle has a plurality, but preferably two, communication modules that are configured in each case to communicate wirelessly with other motor vehicles and wirelessly with one another. A motor vehicle is equipped with a communication device of this type, and a method for communication between a plurality of motor vehicles is carried out.