Vehicle Control System Self-Configuration via Peripheral Identity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems require configuration of operating devices at the time of installation and subsequent modifications, leading to complications and inefficiencies in material usage and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising peripheral units that generate unique signals for their settings and identities, allowing the main unit to command desired functions without prior configuration, and utilizing expandable communication buses for efficient line laying and flexible operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If operating devices are configured at the time of installation using conventional methods, then the system can be set up with fixed identities and addresses, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming, especially for subsequent modifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configuration reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation and modification time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The operating device automatically determines its own identity based on its position in the vehicle and transmits this identity to the main control unit without requiring manual configuration. The device self-configures by reading identification codes from its installation position, eliminating the need for programmers to manually assign addresses and identities during installation or modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The identity determination logic is pre-programmed into the operating device, allowing it to automatically generate and transmit its identity signal as soon as it is installed in the vehicle. This preliminary preparation of configuration data eliminates the need for post-installation configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a fixed identity space is allocated to each operating device position, then identity overlap is avoided, but the system lacks flexibility for subsequent modifications and expansions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentity uniquenessVSAvoidsystem expandability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic identity assignment where the identity of an operating device is determined by its current position in the vehicle rather than being fixed to a specific physical location. When devices are added, removed, or moved, the system automatically reassigns identities based on the new configuration, providing both uniqueness and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The main control unit serves multiple functions: it receives identity signals from peripheral units, determines the vehicle configuration based on these signals, and manages the overall system operation. This universal approach allows the same system to handle both identity management and control functions, accommodating modifications without requiring separate configuration systems.

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

3Loss of substance

If communication buses are used to transmit signals from operating devices, then material efficiency is improved and line laying is facilitated, but configuration complexity increases due to address space management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating device automatically generates and transmits its identity signal through the communication bus without requiring external configuration. The device reads its identity from its installation position and sends this information to the main control unit, eliminating the need for manual address assignment and reducing configuration complexity while maintaining material efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The main control unit receives identity signals from peripheral units through the communication bus and uses this feedback to automatically determine the vehicle's configuration. This feedback mechanism allows the system to self-configure based on the actual positions of operating devices, simplifying the overall configuration process while utilizing the efficient communication bus infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2819886B1Control of functions in motor vehicles
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP2819886B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2819886B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A system for control of functions in a motor vehicle comprises at least one peripheral unit (PU1, PU2,..., PU(n-1), Pun) and a main unit (MU) in communicative connection therewith. The at least one peripheral unit (PU1, PU2,..., PU(n-1), Pun) is provided with at least one operating device (C11,..., Cn2) configured to be manipulated by an operator with the object of ordering a desired function of the vehicle. At least one peripheral unit (PU1, PU2,..., PU(n-1), Pun) is configured to generate a respective signal (S) indicating a setting (p11,..., pn2) of the at least one operating device (C11,..., Cn2) and an identity (ID1, ID2, …, ID(n-1), IDn) for the at least one peripheral unit. The main unit (MU) is configured to receive the signal (S) from the at least one peripheral unit (PU1, PU2,..., PU(n-1), Pun) and to generate on the basis thereof at least one command (cmd1, cmd2,..., cmd(n-1), cmdn) directed at causing the desired function to be effected.