Vehicle Zone Control Interface Using eFuse Command Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern motor vehicles face complex and costly wiring due to multiple communication technologies between central control units and functional zones, leading to increased complexity and redevelopment costs as functional units change, and limited flexibility in control devices.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a uniform communication interface and eFuse actuation system that uses a modulation method to transmit control commands via a unified communication link, reducing the need for multiple electrical lines and allowing reuse across generations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication technologies (LIN, CAN, FlexRay, Ethernet) are used between central control unit and functional zones, then communication functionality is comprehensive, but wiring complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication technologies into a single communication line by implementing protocol conversion at the functional units. Different communication protocols (LIN, CAN, FlexRay, Ethernet) are converted to a unified protocol format, allowing multiple communication standards to coexist on a single physical medium, thereby reducing wiring complexity while maintaining comprehensive communication functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication protocols through a single uniform communication interface. The protocol conversion capability enables the same communication line to handle different protocol types, making the system universal and adaptable to various communication requirements without requiring separate dedicated lines for each protocol
2Adaptability or versatility
If functional units undergo technical changes or redevelopments, then E/E functionalities are improved, but redevelopment costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the central control unit and functional units with varying communication protocols. By implementing protocol conversion at the functional unit level, the system allows functional units to be redesigned with different E/E functionalities while maintaining compatibility through the standardized conversion interface, thereby reducing redevelopment costs and complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different communication interfaces are provided in control devices of functional zone, then compatibility with different functional units is improved, but flexibility and long-term usability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is equipped with a universal communication interface that can handle multiple communication protocols through protocol conversion. Instead of providing separate dedicated interfaces for each protocol, the system uses a single multi-functional interface that adapts to different protocols dynamically, thereby maintaining interface compatibility while reducing device complexity and improving flexibility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies communication by requiring fewer electrical lines, standardizes interfaces, and allows functional units to be reused without adaptation, reducing costs and enhancing flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The control device has at least one eFuse actuation system, which is designed to couple the control commands into the communication link by means of a modulation method
Data Source
AI summary
A control device a functional zone of a motor vehicle includes a uniform communication interface, and controls at least one functional unit of a plurality of functional units in the functional zone. The control device establishes a uniform communication link to at least one functional unit in the functional zone via the uniform communication interface, and to transmits control commands for controlling the functional unit to the functional unit via the uniform communication link using a communication standard. The control device has at least one eFuse actuation system that couples in the control commands onto the communication link by means of a modulation method.