Vehicle Software Integration Module for Upfit Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle upfitting systems, such as upfitter integration modules (UIMs), are limited in flexibility and compatibility, requiring frequent upgrades and new installations to match evolving robotic capabilities, leading to technological and financial challenges.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable software integration module (SIM) provides upfitter support capabilities, utilizing vehicle processors to determine and leverage native vehicle functions for upfitter modules, ensuring compatibility and enabling seamless integration and upgrading of upfit technologies without the need for costly hardware changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hardwire communication upgrades (UIM) are used to support upfitter modules, then upfitter capability is provided, but device complexity and difficulty of upgrading increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupfitter capabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardwire communication system (UIM) with a software-based communication system. The SIM module uses software to establish communication between the vehicle computer system and upfitter modules, eliminating the need for physical hardwiring upgrades and reducing integration complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a software abstraction layer that copies the functionality of the hardwire UIM system. The SIM module replicates the integration capabilities of traditional hardwired systems through software, allowing upfitter modules to communicate with the vehicle without requiring physical hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If new UIM installations are performed to match evolving robotic capabilities, then upfitter functionality is updated, but loss of time and expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupfitter functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic software-based integration system that can be updated and reconfigured without physical installation. The SIM module allows upfitter functionality to be adapted through software updates rather than requiring new hardware installations, significantly reducing the time and expense associated with keeping upfitter systems current.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If hardwired UIM systems are used, then upfitter support is provided, but ease of operation and upgrading deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupfitter supportVSAvoidupgrading ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardwired UIM system with a software-based SIM module that provides the same upfitter support functionality. This substitution dramatically improves ease of operation and upgrading, as software can be updated remotely and reconfigured without requiring physical access to the vehicle or complex hardwiring work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If continuous hardware upgrades are performed to match technology evolution, then compatibility is maintained, but expense increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidfinancial expense

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal software-based integration platform that can support multiple upfitter modules and evolving robotic capabilities through a single SIM module. This universal approach maintains compatibility across different technologies without requiring separate hardware upgrades for each new upfitter, significantly reducing financial expense while ensuring reliable compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12106087B2Methods and apparatuses services integration module

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle includes a reconfigurable software integrated module providing upfitter support capabilities via software residing on the vehicle and designated for individual upfitter modules, the software integrated module working with a vehicle service orchestrator to manage upfitter services in accordance with vehicle resources. The vehicle receives indication of an attached upfit module and determines whether the vehicle includes software for control of the upfit module. The vehicle verifies subscription to the software. Responsive to verification of subscription, the vehicle provides vehicle services to the upfit module as requested by at least one of the software or the upfit module and provides onboard wireless control of the upfit module via a vehicle interface.