In-Vehicle Network Hub Layout for Adaptable Zonal Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle network systems require a configuration that can adapt to varying types and numbers of devices, such as actuators and sensors, across different vehicle models and grades, to facilitate efficient information transmission between vehicle travel control devices and actuators, especially in automatic driving systems.
Innovation Solution
A network hub device is integrated into the vehicle body, coupled to a trunk network for digital control signal transmission, with a sub hub device for signal input/output to in-vehicle devices via a wire harness, simplifying the network configuration and assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple network configuration is used to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying types and numbers of in-vehicle devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network hub device is divided into a main hub device and multiple sub hub devices. The main hub device connects to the trunk network and manages overall network communication, while sub hub devices are distributed to different vehicle zones (front, rear, left, right) to handle local device connections. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a simple centralized management structure while adapting to varying numbers and types of devices in different vehicle configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The network hub device is designed with universal communication capabilities that support multiple protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) and can adapt to different device types (sensors, actuators, control units). The hub device can dynamically manage communication with varying numbers of devices based on vehicle model and grade, providing multi-functional adaptability without requiring complex reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interconnects are used to support various in-vehicle devices, then adaptability to varying device types and numbers is improved, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating multiple direct interconnects between the main control unit and each device, the system segments the network into hierarchical levels with the main hub device at the top level connecting to the trunk network, and sub hub devices at lower levels connecting to specific devices. This reduces the number of direct interconnects required while maintaining full adaptability to various device configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub device acts as an intermediary between the trunk network and various in-vehicle devices. It mediates communication by receiving messages from the trunk network and routing them to appropriate sub hub devices or directly to target devices, eliminating the need for complex direct point-to-point interconnects between all devices while maintaining full communication capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified signal transmission path is used, then assembly workability is improved, but signal transmission capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The signal transmission path is segmented into distinct segments: trunk network connections to the main hub device, and local connections from sub hub devices to individual devices. This segmentation simplifies assembly by allowing modular installation of sub hub devices in different vehicle zones while maintaining reliable signal transmission through standardized communication protocols at each segment interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical wiring harnesses with digital communication protocols. Instead of dedicated physical signal lines for each device connection, the hub device uses standardized digital buses (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) that can carry multiple signals simultaneously, simplifying the physical connection structure while enhancing signal transmission capability through error checking and protocol-based reliability mechanisms.
Data Source
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.