Vehicle-to-X Antenna System Using Digital Transceiver Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle-to-X communications systems face challenges in achieving 360-degree signal coverage due to limited installation space and the impracticality of high-frequency cables, which are expensive and prone to mechanical stress, and can be difficult to diagnose for errors.

Innovation Solution

The system minimizes the use of high-frequency cables by placing transceivers close to the antennas and connecting them via digital communications interfaces, allowing for independent operation and synchronization to achieve temporally constant 360-degree signal coverage, enabling flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two transceivers are used to achieve 360-degree signal coverage, then signal coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal coverageVSAvoidtransceiver configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the signal coverage task into two independent transceivers, each responsible for specific spatial sectors. This segmentation allows achieving 360-degree coverage without requiring a single complex transceiver with diversity functionality, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements time-division multiplexing where transceivers alternate their operation in periodic time slots. Each transceiver is activated during specific time intervals to cover different spatial directions, creating a temporally constant 360-degree signal coverage through coordinated periodic action rather than simultaneous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If HF cables are used to connect transceivers to antennas, then signal transmission is achieved, but mechanical stress and diagnostic difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidmechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical HF cable connection system with a wireless communication system. Transceivers communicate with control units via wireless interfaces (such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or other radio frequency communications), eliminating the need for physical HF cables and thereby removing the associated mechanical stress, bending radius constraints, and diagnostic complexities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces control units as intermediary devices that mediate between transceivers and the central control system. These control units receive signals from transceivers wirelessly and process them accordingly, serving as a wireless intermediary that replaces the direct cable-based connection and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of stationary object

If transceivers are placed close to antennas, then cable length is reduced, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable lengthVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the mechanical cable connection with wireless communication, the patent eliminates the constraint that requires transceivers to be placed close to antennas. The transceivers can be positioned in optimally accessible locations within the vehicle interior, and the wireless signal transmission compensates for the increased distance, thereby reducing installation complexity without sacrificing connection quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If transceivers operate independently, then system flexibility is improved, but signal interference risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements coordinated periodic operation where independent transceivers are activated in alternating time slots. Each transceiver operates independently during its assigned time interval, preventing simultaneous transmission that would cause interference. This periodic coordination maintains system flexibility while eliminating signal cancellation effects through time-division multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11218849B2Vehicle to X communications system for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH

AI summary

A vehicle-to-X communications system for a vehicle, includes first antenna, a second antenna, a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving a signal, the first transceiver electrically connectable to the first antenna via a first antenna interface, a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving a signal, the second transceiver electrically connectable to the second antenna via a second antenna interface, a control device connectable to the first transceiver via a first communications interface and to the second transceiver via a second communications interface. The first transceiver and the second transceiver are configured to communicate with the control device independently of one another and, further, to transmit and receive a signal independently of one another via their first antenna and the second antenna.