Vehicle Communication System Hybrid Optical Electrical Line Bundle

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle communication systems face challenges in reducing communication noise and signal attenuation due to the limited capacity of communication lines, particularly between the manager device and the vehicle control device.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle communication system is designed with a core module featuring a core optical communication line and electrical wire, along with first and second terminal modules, utilizing optical and electrical communication lines to manage data relay between switching hubs, optimizing communication traffic volume and reducing noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If electrical wires are used for communication in the core communication line bundle, then ease of manufacture and installation is improved, but communication noise and signal attenuation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidcommunication noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication line bundle is segmented into two distinct types: optical communication lines for high-speed data transmission and electrical wires for power supply and control signals. This segmentation allows each type of line to be optimized for its specific function, with optical lines handling high-volume data traffic without electromagnetic interference and electrical wires handling power and control without carrying heavy data loads that would generate noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Optical communication lines serve as an intermediary medium for high-volume data transmission between the first and second relay devices, replacing direct electrical wire communication. This intermediary optical transmission path eliminates the communication noise and signal attenuation problems inherent in long-distance electrical wire communication while maintaining system manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If optical communication lines are used in the core communication line bundle, then communication speed and traffic volume are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication traffic volumeVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different communication line types are assigned to different functional requirements within the same communication line bundle. Optical communication lines are used specifically for high-volume data transmission paths where speed is critical, while electrical wires are used for power supply and control signals where simplicity is sufficient. This local quality differentiation optimizes performance where needed without unnecessarily complicating the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a hybrid communication line bundle with both optical and electrical components is used, then communication quality is improved, but manufacturing and installation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges optical communication lines and electrical wires into a single integrated communication line bundle that connects the first and second relay devices. This bundled structure combines the high-speed data transmission capability of optical lines with the power supply and control functionality of electrical wires, achieving improved communication quality while maintaining a unified, manageable installation structure that does not significantly increase manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively reduces communication noise and signal attenuation, improving communication quality and versatility by balancing standard and customizable components, while maintaining high communication speeds.

Implementation Method 1

a core optical communication line to propagate optical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical signal propagation: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

a core electrical wire to conduct electrical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11050584B2Vehicle communication system

Publication Date: 2021.06.29 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A vehicle communication system includes a core module, a first terminal module, and a second terminal module. The core module is installed in a vehicle and includes a first switching hub, a second switching hub, and a core communication line bundle. The first and the second switching hubs relay the data. The core communication line bundle includes a core optical cable that propagates optical signals and a core electrical wire that conducts electrical signals. In the core communication line bundle, the core optical cable and the core electrical wire couple the first switching hub and the second switching hub for communication. In the core communication line bundle, the core optical cable has a larger communication traffic volume than that of the core electrical wire.