Vehicle Module Replacement Control Method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for replacing modules in modular vehicles are cumbersome and time-consuming, affecting the utility and efficiency of the vehicle, especially when a module malfunctions or needs service.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a control device that sets the vehicle into maintenance mode, disconnects the faulty module, connects a new module, establishes electrical connections, assigns the new module a unique vehicle identity, and verifies the connection, allowing for autonomous operation and reduced manual labor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a module replacement procedure is implemented in modular vehicles, then the flexibility and adaptability of the vehicle is improved, but the complexity of the replacement procedure and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle flexibilityVSAvoidreplacement procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle is divided into independent replaceable modules, each with standardized interfaces. The control device is segmented into functional components that can independently execute specific tasks during replacement, such as mode switching, connection verification, and identity assignment, thereby managing complexity through modular functional decomposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device changes operational parameters by switching between maintenance mode and operational mode. This parameter change automates the replacement procedure, reducing manual intervention complexity while maintaining vehicle flexibility through standardized module interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of repair

If manual module replacement is performed, then the vehicle can be maintained, but the time consumption and vehicle downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule maintainabilityVSAvoidvehicle downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically performs tasks that would otherwise require manual intervention during module replacement. It autonomously switches modes, verifies electrical connections, assigns identities to new modules, and manages the replacement workflow, enabling the system to service itself and significantly reducing replacement time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control device prepares the vehicle in advance by switching to maintenance mode before the physical replacement occurs and verifies connections immediately after module installation. This preliminary and follow-up automation reduces the actual downtime during which the vehicle is non-operational.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If electrical connections are established during module replacement, then the new module becomes functional, but the risk of incorrect connections and safety issues increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule functionalityVSAvoidconnection safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device implements feedback mechanisms to verify electrical connections after module replacement. It checks connection status and validates the new module's identity before switching to operational mode, ensuring that only correctly connected modules become functional and thereby maintaining safety while enabling productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If automated control is implemented during module replacement, then the replacement speed and efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplacement speedVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is designed as a multi-functional system that handles multiple tasks during module replacement: mode switching, connection verification, identity assignment, and operational validation. This universal control approach automates the entire replacement workflow through a single integrated device, improving replacement speed while managing system complexity through functional consolidation rather than proliferation of separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11592834B2Method for replacing a module of a vehicle, a control device, a vehicle, a system, a computer program and a computer-readable medium

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 SCANIA CV AB

AI summary

A method for replacing a first module (30, 40) of a vehicle (1) with a new module (30, 30′, 40). The vehicle (1) includes: at least one drive module (30); and at least one functional module (40). The vehicle (1) has a unique vehicle identity. The method includes: setting (s101) the vehicle (1) into a maintenance mode indicating that the vehicle (1) is not available for operation; and preparing (s102) the vehicle (1) for physical disconnection of the first module (30, 40); when the first module (30, 40) has been physically disconnected from the vehicle (1) and the new module (30, 30′, 40) has been physically connected to the vehicle (1): establishing (s103) an electrical connection between the new module (30, 30′, 40) and the vehicle (1); assigning (s104) the new module (30, 30′, 40) the unique vehicle identity of the vehicle (1); setting (s105) the vehicle (1) into an operational mode; and verifying s106) the electrical connection of the new module (30, 30′, 40).