Wireless Vehicle Network Setup via CAN Bus Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for setting up wireless vehicle networks between towing vehicles and trailers often initiate network setup prematurely, leading to futile attempts when the trailer is not connected, resulting in inefficient use of resources and unnecessary communication.

Innovation Solution

The method involves waiting for a defined message from the trailer's brake control unit to be present on the towing vehicle's CAN data bus before initiating the wireless network setup, ensuring that the network is only established when the trailer is connected, using a physical interface like the CAN data bus or Powerline Communication, and sending necessary information only when the trailer ABS status indicates a valid connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the wireless network setup is initiated as soon as boundary conditions are met, then the network setup process starts quickly, but futile attempts occur when the trailer is not connected, wasting resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork setup speedVSAvoidresource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification by checking for the presence of a trailer brake control unit message on the CAN data bus before initiating the wireless network setup. This preliminary action ensures that the trailer is properly connected and powered, preventing futile network setup attempts and associated resource waste while maintaining quick setup when conditions are met.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the first station sends network setup information continuously, then the network can be established quickly when connected, but unnecessary communication occurs when the trailer is not connected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork establishment efficiencyVSAvoidunnecessary communication
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the CAN data bus by monitoring for the presence of a specific message from the trailer brake control unit. This feedback mechanism triggers the wireless network setup information transmission only when a valid trailer connection is detected, eliminating unnecessary communication while enabling quick network establishment when connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the wireless network setup is attempted without verifying trailer connection, then the setup process is simple and fast, but the trailer brake control unit cannot be properly addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup simplicityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary check for the trailer brake control unit message on the CAN data bus before initiating wireless network setup. This simple verification step ensures reliable trailer connection and proper addressing capability while maintaining ease of operation through automated detection and setup initiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3507966B1Method for establishing a wireless vehicle network
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 ZF CV SYST EURO BV
  • EP3507966B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for establishing a wireless vehicle network with at least one first station in a towing vehicle (10) and a second station in a trailer (15), wherein the first station transmits information required for establishing the wireless network and a first control device (11) assigned to the first station receives a defined message from a second control device (16) assigned to the second station via a physical interface between the towing vehicle (10) and the trailer (15), after the second control device (16) has been supplied with electrical energy and the two control devices (11, 16) have been connected to one another via the physical interface. According to the invention, the first station does not wirelessly transmit the information required for establishing the wireless network until the defined message is present in the first station.