In-Vehicle Wireless Networking With UWB Distance Gating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional in-vehicle networking communication technologies face challenges with increased electromagnetic interference, complexity, and security issues due to the rise in in-vehicle sensors and actuators, necessitating a shift from wired to wireless connections, while existing wireless technologies lack stability and security.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that uses narrowband radio technology to determine communication time periods for broadband wireless communication with UWB radio technology, ensuring devices are within an allowed distance range, and employing address information to manage data transmission and positioning for secure and stable communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired connections are used to connect in-vehicle sensors and actuators, then communication stability is ensured, but the length, weight, and complexity of wiring harnesses increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidwiring harness complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. Specifically, it uses narrowband wireless communication for control signals and broadband wireless communication for data transmission, eliminating the need for physical wiring harnesses while maintaining communication functionality. This substitution reduces wiring complexity and vehicle weight while preserving communication stability through protocol design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of in-vehicle sensors and actuators is increased, then vehicle intelligence and automation are improved, but electromagnetic interference and security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle intelligenceVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless communication system into two distinct parts: narrowband communication for control signals and broadband communication for data transmission. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function, with narrowband providing stable, low-interference control and broadband handling high-speed data, thereby reducing overall electromagnetic interference while supporting increased vehicle intelligence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between sensors/actuators and the central control system. This gateway manages communication protocols, filters electromagnetic interference, and implements security measures, allowing more devices to be connected without proportionally increasing interference and security risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If existing wireless communication technologies are used in vehicles, then wiring complexity is reduced, but communication stability and security are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidcommunication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two wireless communication technologies into a unified system: narrowband communication for stable control signals and broadband communication for high-speed data transmission. This combination leverages the stability of narrowband while utilizing the high bandwidth of broadband, achieving both reduced wiring complexity and maintained communication stability and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Speed

If broadband wireless communication is performed continuously, then data transmission speed is improved, but energy consumption and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic communication cycles where devices alternate between narrowband control mode and broadband data transmission mode. Broadband communication is activated only when necessary for high-speed data transfer, while narrowband maintains continuous stable connection. This periodic switching reduces energy consumption and electromagnetic interference while preserving high-speed transmission capabilities when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4718889A1In-vehicle networking communication method, onboard wireless communication apparatus and system, and vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 WUHAN LOTUS CARS CO LTD
  • EP4718889A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4718889A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4718889A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle networking communication method. The method is applicable to a first device and includes: performing, based on a narrowband radio technology, narrowband wireless communication with a second device to determine a communication time period for performing broadband wireless communication with the second device; performing, based on a UWB radio technology, broadband wireless communication with the second device in the communication time period using address information of the second device to determine whether the second device is within an allowed distance range of the first device; if it is determined that the second device is not within the allowed distance range of the first device, discarding data from or to the second device, or if it is determined that the second device is within the allowed distance range of the first device, allowing the data from or to the second device. The present invention provides stable and secure wireless communication in a vehicle by combining narrowband and broadband wireless communication, and supports in-vehicle wireless communication networking.