Vehicle Network Component Activation via Multiplexed Signal Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network systems in vehicles, such as those based on CAN or LIN buses, face challenges in efficiently activating temporarily inactive components without consuming excessive power, as they require all connected components to be active to recognize wake-up signals, leading to high quiescent current requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method where a central network device connects to a network component via a path within the system, using a network segment to address a switch device that sends a network function control signal, allowing individual components to be activated selectively, with energy supply integrated into signal transmission via multiplexing, eliminating the need for separate activation devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all components connected to the bus system are activated using energy detection concept, then the entire system can be controlled, but the quiescent current requirement becomes extremely high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem control capabilityVSAvoidquiescent current
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network system is segmented into active and inactive portions. Only the minimal necessary components are activated based on current operational requirements, while other components remain in low-power sleep mode. This segmentation allows the system to maintain control capability for active components without requiring all components to be simultaneously active, thereby reducing overall quiescent current.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of activating all components (excessive action), the system activates only the partial set of components that are currently needed for operation. The activation is precisely targeted to specific network components that require communication or control, avoiding unnecessary activation of other components and thus reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient system control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Use of energy by moving object

If individual network components are activated selectively, then power consumption is reduced, but the complexity of activation management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidactivation management
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where network components can autonomously report their activation status and power requirements. The central controller receives this feedback and dynamically adjusts activation decisions based on actual system needs and component states. This feedback loop simplifies activation management by providing real-time information about which components need to be active, eliminating the need for complex manual or pre-programmed activation sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach minimizes energy consumption by activating only necessary components, reducing overall power usage in vehicle networks while maintaining efficient communication and control.

Implementation Method 1

The arrangement of supplying switch device (14), supplied network component (16), first and second activation device (38, 42) and the signal line (36) connecting them enables power to be supplied simultaneously for mutual signal transmission between the first and second activation device (38, 42) by means of multiplexing methods

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMultiplexing:

Data Source

PatentEP2540031B1Method for activating a network component of a motor vehicle network system
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP2540031B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2540031B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2540031B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for activating at least one temporarily inactive network component (16) of a network system (10) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. According to the invention, a central network device (12) of the network system (10) is connected via signals to the network component (16) by a path inside the network system, said path extending at least partially across a network segment (26) of the network system (10), said network segment (26) connecting via signals the network component (16) and a first activation device (38) associated therewith to a switch device (14) arranged in the path and to a second activation device (42) associated therewith in an unbranched manner. Said central network device (12) responds to the first activation device (38) by means of the switch device (14) by sending a network function control signal. The invention also relates to a corresponding network system (10) of a motor vehicle.