Vehicle Ring Network Switches for Fault-Tolerant Data Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle communications systems are inadequate in terms of speed, data volume, and network user limitations, leading to reliability issues and synchronization challenges, especially in fault scenarios, which can compromise functional safety in modern vehicle functions.
Innovation Solution
A ring network with multiple network switches, each having three communications pairs, allows for fault-tolerant data transmission by reversing data flow direction when a break occurs, ensuring continuous data transfer across the network, implemented using Ethernet technology with redundant designs and multicore cables or optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a predetermined data flow direction is used in the network, then network control is simplified, but data flow is not guaranteed when there is a break in the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic data flow direction switching in network switches. When a break in the ring network is detected, the affected network switch automatically changes the data flow direction from the predetermined direction to the opposite direction, allowing data to bypass the break and reach all electronic control modules. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through automatic reconfiguration while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of data flow direction in network switches based on network conditions. Under normal conditions, data flows in a predetermined direction for simplified control. When a network break occurs, the parameter changes to the opposite direction to ensure data flow continuity. This parameter switching mechanism resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Productivity
If multiple buses or redundant buses are used, then data transfer capacity increases, but synchronization problems and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into a ring structure with individual network switches at each electronic control module. Each switch independently handles data flow in its segment of the ring, connected via ring connections. This segmentation provides redundant data paths for high capacity while keeping each switch's control logic simple, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple independent buses that require synchronization, the patent inverts the approach by using a single ring structure where data can flow in both directions through the same physical medium. This eliminates synchronization problems between separate buses while maintaining redundant paths for high data transfer capacity, resolving the contradiction between productivity and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If individual processors or electronic control modules are used to transfer data between buses, then data routing is simplified, but transfer speed and response time decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data routing function from individual processors and electronic control modules and implements it at the network switch level. Network switches handle data forwarding between electronic control modules directly over the ring network, bypassing the need for processor-based routing. This extraction increases data transfer speed by using dedicated switching hardware while keeping routing logic simple in the switches, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A ring network for interchanging data between a plurality of devices arranged in a vehicle includes a ring connection and a plurality of distributors. The distributors each have a plurality of communication pairs each having a transmitting unit and a receiving unit for transmitting and receiving data. Each of the devices is connected to one of the distributors via a first communication pair, to the ring connection via a second communication pair and likewise to the ring connection via a third communication pair. A direction of data flow in the second communication pair and the third communication pair is opposite.