Vehicle Domain Time Synchronization via Wireless Intermediary Node

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Solution Overview

Problem

Independent domains in vehicle networks, lacking physical connection to a universal time domain, cannot be synchronized with it, leading to potential communication malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first end node in a vehicle domain receives time information from a vehicle, changes to a new grand master node when necessary, and synchronizes its time with the universal time domain, using wireless access in vehicular environments, and transmits this information to other nodes to synchronize working clock domains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a working clock domain exists independently without physical connection to the universal time domain, then the domain can operate autonomously, but it cannot be synchronized with the universal time domain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedomain autonomyVSAvoidtime synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an end node as an intermediary between the independent working clock domain and the universal time domain. This end node receives time information from the vehicle (which has access to the universal time domain) and transmits it to the grand master node of the working clock domain, enabling synchronization without direct physical connection between the domains

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional physical connection requirement (mechanical system) with wireless communication (electromagnetic system). Time information is transmitted via wireless signals from the vehicle to the end node and then to the grand master node, eliminating the need for direct physical infrastructure connection between domains

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If time information is transmitted through wireless communication in vehicular environments, then domain synchronization is enabled, but communication reliability may be affected by wireless interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime synchronizationVSAvoidwireless interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements error detection and correction mechanisms in advance to cushion against potential wireless communication failures. The time information transmission protocol includes validation checks and retransmission capabilities to ensure reliable delivery despite wireless interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the end node confirms receipt of time information from the vehicle and the grand master node confirms synchronization status. This feedback loop allows for detection and correction of transmission errors, improving reliability in wireless environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10645739B2Method for time synchronization of domain based on time information of vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are time synchronization methods for domains based on time information of a vehicle. A time synchronization method performed by a first end node belonging to a first domain of a vehicle includes: receiving a first frame including time information from the vehicle; changing the first end node to a grand master node of the first domain when the time information indicates a time of a universal time domain; and synchronizing a time of the grand master node with the time of the universal time domain.