Vehicle Device Controller for Aftermarket Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack seamless integration of aftermarket devices with OEM controls, requiring additional components and modifications, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A device controller is interfaced with OEM devices and user interfaces to communicate with aftermarket devices using wired or wireless interfaces, allowing activation, deactivation, and mode switching between different device operations without the need for additional interfaces or power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aftermarket devices are integrated into vehicles, then device functionality is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional controllers and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The existing OEM control interface is designed to serve dual purposes: its original function and the new aftermarket device control function. The control module detects command sequences to determine whether the user intends to control the original device or the aftermarket device, allowing one interface to universally control multiple devices without adding separate controls
Solution Approach 2:
A control module acts as an intermediary between the existing control interface and the aftermarket device. This intermediary receives commands from the existing interface, interprets them according to the detected operation mode, and transmits appropriate control signals to either the original device or the aftermarket device, thereby integrating the aftermarket device without requiring direct connection to the control interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional controls are installed for aftermarket devices, then device control capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to more controls to learn and manage
Solution Approach 1:
The existing control interface is designed to serve dual purposes: its original function and the new aftermarket device control function. The control module detects command sequences to determine whether the user intends to control the original device or the aftermarket device, allowing one interface to universally control multiple devices without adding separate controls
Solution Approach 2:
The control module automatically detects the user's intended operation through command sequence analysis and autonomously switches between controlling the original device and the aftermarket device. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually select control modes or learn complex control schemes, maintaining ease of operation while enabling versatile device control
3Adaptability or versatility
If aftermarket devices replace OEM devices, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to extensive reconfiguration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The existing control interface is designed to serve dual purposes: its original function and the new aftermarket device control function. The control module detects command sequences to determine whether the user intends to control the original device or the aftermarket device, allowing one interface to universally control multiple devices without adding separate controls
Solution Approach 2:
A control module acts as an intermediary between the existing control interface and the aftermarket device. This intermediary receives commands from the existing interface, interprets them according to the detected operation mode, and transmits appropriate control signals to either the original device or the aftermarket device, thereby integrating the aftermarket device without requiring direct connection to the control interface or extensive reconfiguration
4Measurement precision
If separate controllers are used for aftermarket devices, then device control precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The existing control interface is designed to serve dual purposes: its original function and the new aftermarket device control function. The control module detects command sequences to determine whether the user intends to control the original device or the aftermarket device, allowing one interface to universally control multiple devices without adding separate controls
Solution Approach 2:
The control module combines the control functions for both the original device and the aftermarket device into a single integrated unit. By merging these control functions and using command sequence detection to route signals appropriately, the system achieves precise control of multiple devices while minimizing the number of separate components
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure relate to flexible control of devices installed on a vehicle. A controller may be configured to control a plurality of devices (e.g., original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices and/or aftermarket devices) based on input via one or more OEM-installed switches. The controller may be configured to receive input from the one or more switches and control, based on a currently activated functionality of the controller, either a first device (e.g., an OEM device associated with the one or more switches) or a second device (e.g., an after-market device). Activation and/or deactivation of a functionality of the controller to control a specific device (e.g., an OEM device or an after-market device) may be based on a predetermined sequence as input via the one or more switches.