Unified Vehicle Network Frames for Multi-Bus Wiring Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of vehicle communication networks, with multiple bus protocols and extensive wiring, hinders efficient communication and weight reduction, which is crucial for improved fuel efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A unified packet/frame-based communication network with an Ethernet bus structure, bridge-routing modules, and a network manager that facilitates communication among various electronic devices, supports virtualized local area networks, and optimizes power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bus protocols are used to support various electronic devices, then device compatibility and functionality are improved, but system complexity and wiring weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified Ethernet-based communication network that serves multiple functions: it replaces traditional multiple bus protocols (CAN, LIN, MOST, FlexRay), provides power delivery through PDN, enables data communication, and supports device discovery and configuration. This single unified infrastructure performs what previously required multiple separate protocol systems, directly reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability through Ethernet's inherent versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges data communication and power delivery into a single Ethernet infrastructure using Power over Ethernet (POE) technology. Instead of separate wiring harnesses for data and power, the system combines both functions through the same Ethernet cables and switches, significantly reducing wiring weight and system complexity while maintaining full device compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bus protocols and gateways are implemented, then electronic device communication is enabled, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data and power transmission into a single Ethernet infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate power wiring harnesses and multiple protocol-specific communication wires. This merging reduces the overall wiring weight from 400-600 pounds to a significantly lighter Ethernet-based system while maintaining full communication capability across all vehicle electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified Ethernet network provides universal communication capability across all device types previously requiring different protocols (CAN for braking, LIN for actuators, MOST for multimedia, FlexRay for safety). This single multi-functional network eliminates the need for protocol-specific wiring, reducing weight while maintaining adaptability through Ethernet's ability to handle diverse data types and communication patterns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion gateways are added, then communication between different protocols is facilitated, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for protocol conversion gateways by adopting a single unified Ethernet protocol across the entire vehicle network. Instead of adding gateways to convert between multiple protocols, the system removes the requirement for protocol conversion entirely by having all devices communicate natively through Ethernet, thereby eliminating gateway complexity and processing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than maintaining multiple protocols and adding conversion layers (the traditional approach), the patent inverts the strategy by adopting a single protocol from the ground up. All devices communicate directly through Ethernet without conversion, eliminating the need for gateways and their associated complexity while maintaining full interoperability through the universal Ethernet standard.
4Adaptability or versatility
If extensive wiring is used to support multiple protocols, then all electronic devices can be connected, but fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data and power delivery into a single Ethernet infrastructure, eliminating the need for extensive separate power wiring harnesses. This reduction in wiring weight directly improves fuel efficiency, as every pound of wiring removed reduces the energy required to move the vehicle, while the unified Ethernet system maintains full device connectivity across all vehicle systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified Ethernet network provides universal connectivity for all device types previously requiring different protocols and separate wiring. This single multi-functional communication infrastructure replaces extensive multi-protocol wiring with a lighter Ethernet-based system, reducing vehicle weight and improving fuel efficiency while maintaining complete device connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control module includes a vehicle device and a vehicle network interface. The vehicle device is operable to perform a vehicle function. The vehicle network interface facilitates communication regarding the vehicle function between the vehicle device and a vehicle network fabric in accordance with a global vehicle network communication protocol.