Vehicle Relay Ring Network for Redundant ECU Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle relay device systems lack redundancy in communication between inside and outside the vehicle, leading to disruptions when the single connection path is interrupted.
Innovation Solution
A relay device system with a wireless relay device connected to multiple wired relay devices in a ring configuration, utilizing two paths for communication, allowing for continued communication even if one path is disconnected, and a control unit that detects abnormalities and switches to alternative paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single connection path is used between wireless relay device and wired relay device, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates due to lack of redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple independent communication paths (first path through first wired relay device, second path through second wired relay device) between the wireless relay device and ECUs. This segmentation allows communication to continue through alternative paths if one path fails, resolving the contradiction by providing redundancy without requiring a completely complex alternative architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes redundant communication paths in advance before any failure occurs. The wireless relay device and wired relay devices are pre-configured with multiple connection paths, so that when a disconnection is detected, the system can immediately switch to an alternative path without interruption. This beforehand preparation resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliability through pre-established backup routes.
2Reliability
If multiple wired relay devices are connected in a ring configuration, then communication redundancy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each wired relay device in the ring configuration is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a communication node and as a potential alternative path for other devices. The relay devices can forward communications in multiple directions and handle both clockwise and counterclockwise traffic flows, making the overall system more efficient despite the increased connectivity. This universality helps offset the complexity by making each component more versatile.
3Reliability
If a ring network configuration is implemented, then communication path redundancy is improved, but detection and measurement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless relay device implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring communication status on both the first and second paths. When communication abnormalities are detected on one path, the system automatically feeds back this information and switches to the alternative path. This feedback loop simplifies abnormality detection by providing clear status indicators and automatic response mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between redundancy and detection difficulty.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay device system is a relay device system to be installed in a vehicle, the relay device system including a wireless relay device configured to wirelessly communicate with a communication device provided outside the vehicle, a plurality of wired relay devices that are connected in a ring to the wireless relay device, and an in-vehicle network formed in a ring by a communication line connecting the wireless relay device and the plurality of wired relay devices, in which the plurality of wired relay devices each include an ECU communication unit configured to communicably connect to an ECU for controlling an on-board device installed in the vehicle, and the wireless relay device and the plurality of wired relay devices are configured to communicate with each other through the in-vehicle network, using two clockwise and counterclockwise paths.