Configurable Vehicle Management System for Emergency Equipment Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle management systems lack a comprehensive and configurable solution to integrate various emergency vehicle equipment, sensors, and communication networks effectively, leading to inefficiencies in operation and management.
Innovation Solution
A configurable management system comprising a Low Level Control Unit (LLCU) and an Application Level Control Unit (ALCU) that integrates vehicle sensors, emergency equipment, and communication networks, allowing for preprogrammed and expandable functionalities triggered by specific scenarios, enabling seamless operation and control of emergency vehicle systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate controllers are used to manage different vehicle systems, then each controller can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate controllers (LLCU for low-level control and ALCU for application-level control) into a unified hierarchical architecture. This merging allows each controller to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall integration complexity through structured communication protocols and standardized interfaces between the layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with universal communication capabilities that can interface with multiple different vehicle resources (sensors, actuators, communication networks) through standardized protocols. This multi-functionality allows a single controller to manage diverse equipment types without requiring separate specialized controllers for each resource.
2Productivity
If a comprehensive integration system is implemented to manage all vehicle equipment, then operational efficiency improves, but the difficulty of installation and configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control architecture into distinct functional layers (LLCU for low-level device control and ALCU for application-level management). This segmentation allows each module to be independently installed, configured, and maintained, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining comprehensive integration capabilities for improved operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces standardized communication protocols and interface layers that act as intermediaries between different vehicle systems and the control unit. These intermediaries simplify configuration by providing uniform communication methods, reducing the complexity of integrating diverse equipment while enabling comprehensive system management for improved productivity.
3Reliability
If legacy vehicle networks are used without modification, then existing systems remain stable, but they cannot effectively integrate modern emergency vehicle equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as an intermediary layer between legacy vehicle networks and modern emergency vehicle equipment. It translates communication protocols and adapts data formats, allowing stable legacy systems to interface with contemporary equipment without requiring modifications to the original networks, thus maintaining reliability while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit incorporates universal communication capabilities that support multiple protocols and interface types. This multi-functionality enables it to connect to various legacy networks while simultaneously integrating modern emergency vehicle equipment, bridging the gap between old and new systems without compromising either stability or adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable management system for a vehicle includes a receiving unit adapted to receive a message associated with a vehicle resource from a communication network of the vehicle. A control unit is adapted to determine a vehicle resource associated with the received message. An integration unit includes an external network connected to the control unit and the integration unit further includes at least one node, wherein the at least one node is configured to send an external message on the external network to the control unit. The control unit converts the external message to a suitable message that is sent to the vehicle resource.