Vehicle Compensator Link Using One Cable for RF and Wake-Up Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication systems in vehicles require two separate cables for connecting a mobile device to an external antenna, increasing installation costs and complexity, and there is a need to simplify the harness.

Innovation Solution

A single cable is used to transmit both high-frequency signals and a control signal, such as a wake-up signal, to activate the compensator, eliminating the need for a separate cable for the control signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate cables are used for RF signal and control signal transmission, then reliable signal transmission and compensator control are achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidharness complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the RF signal transmission and control signal transmission into a single cable. The control signal is transmitted as a modulation on the RF signal, eliminating the need for a separate control cable. This merging reduces installation complexity while maintaining reliable signal transmission and compensator control through the shared cable infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single cable serves multiple functions: it transmits both the RF signal for communication and the control signal for compensator activation. The cable acts as a universal transmission medium that handles both high-frequency RF signals and low-frequency control signals, reducing the overall number of cables needed in the system.

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

2Reliability

If two separate cables are installed, then complete signal and control transmission is ensured, but installation cost and effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signal transmissionVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the control signal transmission onto the existing RF cable, the patent eliminates the need for a separate control cable. This reduces the number of cables to be installed, thereby lowering installation cost and effort while ensuring reliable control signal transmission through the shared cable infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The RF cable serves itself by carrying both RF signals and control signals. The control signal transmission utilizes the existing cable infrastructure without requiring additional dedicated cables, making the system more cost-effective and easier to install while maintaining complete signal and control transmission capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a separate control cable is used, then compensator control is reliable, but the harness becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompensator activation reliabilityVSAvoidcable harness complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control signal transmission with the RF signal transmission on a single cable. The control signal is modulated onto the RF signal, allowing the compensator to be reliably activated through the shared cable while reducing the overall cable harness complexity by eliminating the need for a separate control cable.

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

Simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of cables required, thereby lowering costs and effort, while maintaining effective communication link quality.

Implementation Method 1

The unimpeded received RF (radio frequency) signal is conducted by wire from the external antenna into the car

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The smart phone terminal generates a control signal, e.g., a wake-up signal that is transmitted over a separate cable (105) to the compensator (102)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical signal transmission: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3537613B1Compensator arrangement
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP3537613B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3537613B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3537613B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A compensator arrangement for a vehicle is provided comprising a smart phone terminal configured to be connected to a mobile phone, a compensator configured to improve a link quality and coverage for the mobile phone, a cable having a first wire that carries a high frequency signal. The smart phone terminal is configured to generate a control signal and to transmit the control signal on the first wire to the compensator.