In-Vehicle Communication System Wireless ID Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-vehicle communication systems face difficulties in easily allocating unique ID information to devices, especially when devices like seat belt systems are difficult to assemble or remove from vehicles, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for special tools and interfaces.

Innovation Solution

An in-vehicle communication system with a master control unit and slave devices, where the master control unit allocates unique identification information based on signals generated by buckle switches, allowing for wireless communication and operation without the need for special tools or interfaces, enabling easy ID allocation and device control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If unique ID information is allocated using a dedicated tool after device installation, then ID allocation can be performed, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming especially for seat belt devices that are hard to assemble or remove

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveID allocation operationVSAvoidTime for ID allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-registering identification information in the device before it is installed in the vehicle. This allows the ID to be automatically recognized and allocated when the device is installed, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-installation ID allocation operations using dedicated tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-service by having its identification information automatically recognized and allocated through the registration unit. The system automatically matches the pre-registered ID with the installed device position, eliminating the need for manual intervention or dedicated tools for ID allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If special functions and interfaces are added to allocate ID information, then ID allocation becomes possible, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveID allocation capabilityVSAvoidElectronic components and interfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a general-purpose registration unit that can handle ID allocation for multiple types of devices (seat belts, airbags, seats) through a single interface. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for device-specific allocation interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the pre-registered ID information and the device installation status. It automatically matches and allocates IDs based on registration data without requiring special dedicated tools or complex interfaces, simplifying the ID allocation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If wire harness connection is used to connect host ECU and in-vehicle devices, then reliable communication is achieved, but the number of electric wires increases and installation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCommunication reliabilityVSAvoidNumber of electric wires
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the communication function from the physical wire harness connection and implements it through wireless communication. This allows the host ECU and in-vehicle devices to communicate reliably without the complexity of multiple electric wires, while maintaining communication reliability through alternative wireless means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3771181B1In-vehicle communication system
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP3771181B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3771181B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3771181B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An in-vehicle communication system includes a master control unit mounted on a vehicle, a plurality of slave devices mounted on the vehicle, a plurality of buckles provided in association with each of a plurality of seats mounted on the vehicle, and at least one switch unit configured to generate a signal in accordance with an attachment and detachment state of at least one of the plurality of buckles. The master control unit is communicably connected to each of the slave devices. The master control unit controls the plurality of slave devices based on the signal generated by the at least one switch unit.