Motor Vehicle Network Architecture for Partial Mode Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems in motor vehicles face challenges in reducing energy consumption and complexity, particularly in implementing partial network modes, due to the need for complex logic and increased potential for errors, and the requirement for multiple power regulators that cause electromagnetic interference and heat loss.
Innovation Solution
A network architecture with a central subscriber and peripheral subscribers connected via a star topology, utilizing signal and energy coupling units to modulate AC and DC voltages on the same line, allowing for reverse waking and power supply only when needed, thereby reducing wiring elements and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If controllers are constantly supplied with power from the onboard power supply system, then controllers can operate continuously without interruption, but the onboard power supply system battery is constantly drained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply by enabling controllers to switch between different operational states (fully powered, sleep mode, switched-off) based on real-time network activity requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize energy consumption while maintaining continuous operational capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic wake-up mechanisms where controllers in sleep mode are periodically activated to check for network messages. This periodic action enables the system to balance between energy saving during idle periods and operational readiness when communication is required, preventing constant battery drain while maintaining continuous operation capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If partial network mode is implemented to connect and disconnect selected controllers, then energy consumption is reduced, but complex logic must be integrated into transceiver chips and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network management unit as an intermediary component that handles the complex logic of partial network mode operation. This mediator manages controller connection and disconnection, processes wake-up messages, and coordinates power supply states, thereby reducing the complexity burden on individual transceiver chips and controllers while enabling energy-efficient partial network operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex control logic for partial network mode from the individual controllers and transceiver chips and centralizes it in a dedicated network management unit. This extraction simplifies the embedded systems in controllers while maintaining the capability for selective connection and disconnection, achieving energy reduction without excessive complexity in each device.
3Loss of energy
If switched-mode regulators are used to transform voltage levels, then power loss is minimized, but circuit complexity and EMC disturbances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional voltage supply units that can operate in multiple modes (switched-mode regulator, in-phase regulator, or direct connection) depending on the operational state and power requirements. This universality allows the system to achieve low power loss through switched-mode operation when needed while avoiding the complexity and EMC issues by switching to simpler regulation methods or direct power connection during other states.
4Power
If each controller has its own voltage regulator, then voltage level transformation is achieved, but the number of network elements and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage regulation functionality into centralized power supply units located at the network interface, eliminating the need for individual voltage regulators in each controller. This consolidation reduces the total number of network elements and simplifies wiring while maintaining the capability for voltage level transformation through the shared power supply infrastructure.
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 solution enables a simple, energy-saving, and error-reduced partial network mode operation by eliminating the need for additional power regulators and reducing system complexity, while maintaining efficient communication and power supply to network elements.
Implementation Method 1
it is possible for a communication signal, usually an AC voltage signal, to be modulated onto a DC voltage without needing to fear losses in a quality of the communication
Data Source
AI summary
A network, in particular in a motor vehicle, wherein the network includes a central subscriber and at least one first subscriber, wherein the central subscriber and the at least one first subscriber are interconnected by way of at least one first cable. The central subscriber has at least one signal coupling unit and at least one energy coupling unit, wherein by way of the signal coupling unit an AC voltage can be impressed on at least one first line of the first cable, or can be tapped from the signal coupling unit. Also disclosed is a method for operating a network.