In-Vehicle Hub Network Layout for Flexible Door Harness Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle network systems require a flexible configuration to accommodate varying types and numbers of devices, such as actuators and sensors, to support both automatic driving and current drive assist systems, necessitating a simple network setup that minimizes interconnects.
Innovation Solution
A network hub device is integrated into the vehicle body, connected via a trunk network, with sub-hub devices handling input/output operations for in-vehicle devices through digital control signals, simplifying the network configuration and assembly process by using a single cable for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple network configuration is used to minimize interconnects, then ease of manufacture and assembly workability are improved, but the system must still accommodate varying types and numbers of in-vehicle devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network into a trunk network and multiple branch networks, with hub devices acting as segmentation points. This allows the main trunk network to remain simple while branch networks can be independently configured to accommodate different device types and numbers without complicating the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub device serves multiple functions: it acts as a network connection point, a signal distribution center, and an adaptive interface for different device configurations. This universal component enables the system to handle varying device types and numbers while maintaining a standardized simple network structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interconnects are used to support diverse device types and numbers, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hub device acts as an intermediary between the simple trunk network and the diverse branch network devices. It mediates the connection, allowing complex device configurations to be supported without requiring complex network wiring, as the hub absorbs the configuration complexity on its side.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the network into standardized trunk and flexible branch portions, the system isolates complexity to specific segments (branch networks and hub devices) while keeping the main trunk network simple. This segmentation allows diverse devices to be accommodated without increasing overall system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified cable system is used via the movable portion, then ease of manufacture is improved, but signal transmission capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical wiring arrangements with a simplified cable-based digital signal transmission through the movable portion. This substitution maintains reliable signal transmission while dramatically simplifying the assembly process, as digital signals can be transmitted effectively through simpler cable structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network hub device used for building a simple network configuration in an in-vehicle network system is provided. A network hub device (22) is provided in a vehicle body and is coupled to a trunk network through which a digital control signal is transmitted. A sub hub device (241, 242) performs input/output of a signal to/from an in-vehicle device provided in a partial body assembled to the vehicle body via a movable portion. The sub hub device (241, 242) is provided in the partial body and the digital control signal is transmitted/received between the sub hub device (241, 242) and the network hub device (22) via a wire harness passing through the movable portion.