Dynamic Master-Slave Assignment for Windshield Wiper Drive Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper systems for motor vehicles require differentiation between master and slave drive controls, leading to increased administration, storage, and production costs, as well as potential malfunctions due to static role assignments, which can result in mechanical and data collisions.
Innovation Solution
A control system for two windshield wipers with dynamic assignment of master and slave roles, where each drive controller can configure itself based on received control information, allowing for reversible roles and minimizing communication effort, thereby avoiding collisions and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If static master-slave role assignment is used in windshield wiper systems, then system stability is maintained, but device complexity increases and production costs rise due to differentiation between master and slave drive controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where drive controls can switch between master and slave roles based on real-time communication status. The system determines master/slave configuration dynamically rather than through static pre-assignment, allowing roles to change adaptively according to system conditions and communication availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes all drive controls universally capable of functioning as either master or slave. Each drive control unit is designed with identical functionality and can assume either role, eliminating the need for differentiated hardware configurations. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining system stability through adaptive role assignment.
2Ease of manufacture
If static master-slave role assignment is used, then production costs increase, but role differentiation provides clear control hierarchy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs all drive control units with identical capabilities, making them universally applicable as either master or slave. This eliminates the need for differentiated manufacturing processes, reducing production costs while avoiding the complexity of managing different role-specific configurations. The system achieves role differentiation through software/logic rather than hardware differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (master/slave role) of drive controls dynamically based on communication status rather than maintaining fixed role assignments. This allows the system to use identical hardware configurations for all units while achieving functional differentiation through parameter changes, reducing both production costs and device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic role assignment is implemented, then adaptability and reconfiguration capability improve, but communication requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where drive controls can switch between master and slave roles based on real-time communication status. The system determines master/slave configuration dynamically rather than through static pre-assignment, allowing roles to change adaptively according to system conditions and communication availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables drive controls to automatically determine their own role (master or slave) based on whether they receive control information through their first interface. Each drive control unit independently assesses its communication status and configures itself accordingly, reducing the need for complex centralized communication protocols and simplifying the overall communication requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If drive controls can switch roles dynamically, then operational flexibility improves, but likelihood of role conflicts and malfunctions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables drive controls to automatically determine their own role (master or slave) based on whether they receive control information through their first interface. Each drive control unit independently assesses its communication status and configures itself accordingly, reducing the need for complex centralized communication protocols and simplifying the overall communication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the communication interface status to determine role assignment. Drive controls continuously monitor whether they receive control information through their first interface and adjust their role accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that only one master exists at any time (the one receiving control information) and prevents role conflicts, thereby maintaining system reliability while enabling operational flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drive control means, in particular for controlling a windscreen wiper drive of a motor vehicle, having a first interface and a second interface, wherein, after receiving control information via the first interface, the drive control means is arranged to configure itself in a master role and to output control information via the second interface in order to control a further drive control means.