Vehicle Electronic Unit Position Identification via Voltage Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for identifying the position of a secondary electronic unit on a motor vehicle is time-consuming and costly, requiring manual operation with specific hardware during a learning phase.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a central electronic unit that manages power supply for multiple secondary electronic units, using timers and voltage measurements to automatically identify and associate each unit's position on the vehicle, eliminating the need for manual operation and specific hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual operation with specific hardware is used to read barcode and associate electronic units with positions, then identification accuracy is ensured, but the learning phase becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of reading barcodes with an automated electrical measurement system. The electronic unit automatically performs voltage measurements on connector pins to determine its position, eliminating the need for manual barcode scanning and association processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic unit autonomously identifies its own position by performing voltage measurements on the connector pins without external assistance. The unit independently determines which pins are connected and calculates its position based on the measurement results, eliminating the need for operator intervention.
2Reliability
If manual operation with specific hardware is used for identification, then reliable pairing is achieved, but the process becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual hardware operations with simple automated electrical measurements. The identification process uses basic voltage measurement circuits already present in the electronic unit, eliminating the need for specialized barcode reading hardware and manual association tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the existing electrical connection structure (connector pins and wiring) as a copy of the position identification code. Instead of requiring separate identification hardware, the system uses the electrical pathways themselves to encode position information through voltage measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (DISP) for identifying a position (PosB) of a secondary electronic unit (BA) on a motor vehicle (V), comprising: —a central electronic unit (PE) suitable for managing the power supply to a plurality of secondary electronic units (BA) and having: —a switching device (DC) for switching the power supply to all the secondary electronic units (BA); —a main timer (CPTA) suitable for being triggered in a time-correlated manner with the activation of the power supply to said secondary electronic units (BA) by said switching device (DC); —and said plurality of secondary electronic units (BA); wherein each of said secondary electronic units (BA) comprises a secondary timer (CPTB) suitable for being triggered in a time-correlated manner with the power supply to said secondary electronic unit (BA); and is suitable for performing internally at least one measurement of a voltage (VH, VL) when it is powered, said at least one measurement of a voltage (VH, VL) representing the position (PosB) of said secondary electronic unit (BA) on the motor vehicle (V).