Vehicle Power Mode Control for Passive Entry Wake-Up

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles require increasing computing power for complex and connected functions, leading to unnecessary power consumption by controllers when not in use, which can inconvenience users by requiring manual unlocking or waiting for controllers to wake up.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that manages power modes by initiating a wake-up action for controllers when a user's device is within a certain distance from the vehicle, using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connections and sensors to detect proximity, and transitioning electronic control units (ECUs) from sleep to active states, while also initiating welcome actions such as unlocking doors and turning on lights when the user approaches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If controllers are kept in active state to provide immediate computing power, then vehicle functions are readily available, but power consumption increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle function availabilityVSAvoidcontroller power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting user approach via BLE and sensors before the user reaches the vehicle, initiating controller wake-up sequences in advance. This ensures controllers are ready by the time the user needs them, eliminating wait times while allowing controllers to return to sleep mode sooner, thus reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts controller power states based on real-time conditions. Controllers transition between active, sleep, and intermediate states depending on user proximity, vehicle usage patterns, and functional requirements. This dynamic state management optimizes the balance between immediate availability and power conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If controllers enter sleep state to reduce power consumption, then energy is conserved, but user experience deteriorates due to manual unlocking requirements and wait times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller power consumptionVSAvoiduser access convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service by automatically detecting user presence through mobile device BLE connections and sensor inputs, then autonomously managing controller wake-up and vehicle access without requiring manual user actions. The system serves itself by coordinating between multiple controllers to handle authentication, door unlocking, and system initialization automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple controllers are activated simultaneously for comprehensive vehicle functionality, then all features are available, but power consumption and wake-up time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle feature availabilityVSAvoidcontroller wake-up time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments controller activation into hierarchical groups based on functional priority and user needs. Critical safety and access controllers wake up first, followed by comfort and convenience features. This segmented approach allows essential functions to be available immediately while non-essential features load progressively, reducing overall wake-up time while maintaining comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts controller activation sequences based on detected usage patterns, environmental conditions, and vehicle state. Frequently used features are prioritized for earlier activation, while less commonly used features can remain in lower-power states longer. This dynamic prioritization optimizes the balance between feature availability and wake-up time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12172602B2System and method for efficient management of vehicle power modes

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 RIVIAN HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for controlling power modes of a vehicle and for providing passive entry to the vehicle. A sleep command can be sent from a central controller to multiple domain controllers to enter a sleep state. When the sleep command is received by a first domain controller, a sleep state is entered. When the sleep command is received by a second domain controller, a stealth state is entered. While in the stealth state, the second domain controller periodically wakes up from a sleep state to monitor a condition. In response to detecting a first condition, the second domain controller returns to the sleep state. In response to detecting a second condition, the second domain controller sends a notification of the second condition to the central controller.