EP4419393A1

EP4419393A1 - Securing a communication coupler in a vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP4419393A1
Application number: EP22797897.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sunil Kumar CHIPPA; Mahalingam Arun KUMAR; Ramya Ganesan
Original assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-18
Filing date: 2022-09-28
Publication date: 2024-08-28
Also published as: TW202324977A; WO2023067618A1

Abstract

A vehicle (100) comprising a compartment (102) is described. The compartment (102) may have a slot (104) on a first compartment wall (206) of the compartment (102). The vehicle (100) may further include a cap (106) to at least partially cover the slot (104). The cap (106) may include a receiving unit (304) on a first side of the cap (106). The vehicle may also include a communication coupler unit (108). The communication coupler unit (108) may include a communication coupler (110) communicatively coupled with an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle (100). The communication coupler unit (108) may further include a coupler housing (112) to house the communication coupler (110).

Description

SECURING A COMMUNICATION COUPLER IN A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter described herein, in general, relates to techniques for securely placing a communication coupler in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] With advent in technology, vehicles are being designed to include an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or a network of Electronic Control Units (ECUs), hereinafter collectively referred as ECU, that may be communicatively coupled with multiple electronic and mechanical components located in a vehicle. These components may include, but are not limited to, sensors, mechanical actuators, motors, battery, and a braking system of the vehicle. The ECU may receive and store vehicle data obtained from the electronic and mechanical components to monitor different aspects related to functioning of the vehicle, such as emissions, mileage, speed of the vehicle, and an overall health status of the battery. Based on the received vehicle data, the ECU may also control functioning of the electronic and mechanical components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures are merely examples of the present subject matter and are not meant to represent the subject matter itself.

[0004] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0005] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary vehicle comprising a compartment, a slot, a cap, and a communication coupler unit, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. [0006] Figure 3A illustrates an exemplary compartment of the vehicle, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0007] Figure 3B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the compartment of the vehicle, with an enlarged view of the communication coupler unit and the cap, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0008] Figure 4 illustrates a communication coupler unit, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0009] Figure 5A illustrates an exemplary communication coupler, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0010] Figure 5B illustrates an exemplary coupler housing, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0011] Figure 6 illustrates a communication coupler detachably attached with a coupler housing, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0012] Figure 7A illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary cap, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0013] Figure 7B illustrates a front view of the exemplary cap, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0014] Figure 7C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary cap, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0015] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0016] Vehicles generally include communication couplers that act as an interface between an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle and an external communication device. The communication coupler may be used to communicatively couple the ECU with the external communication device to enable exchange of data, for example the vehicle data, between the ECU and the external communication device. In one example, the external communication device may be connected with a diagnostic port of the communication coupler, to read vehicle data, related to operation of the vehicle, received and stored by the ECU. In one example, the external communication device may be connected with the communication coupler to access the ECU of the vehicle for performing diagnostic tasks, such as emissions tests and the like. For example, the external communication device may be an onboard diagnostics (OBD) handheld reader that may be connected with a communication coupler, such as an On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) port to access the ECU of the vehicle for diagnostic tasks. In another example, the external communication device may be coupled with the communication coupler to factory reset the ECU and erase all the vehicle data stored therein. In yet another example, the external communication device may be coupled with the communication coupler to modify the vehicle data stored in the ECU. In yet another example, the external communication device may be coupled with the communication coupler to perform modifications in software installed in the ECU.

[0017] Generally, the communication coupler is openly or insecurely placed in the vehicle for ease of accessibility to an operator for connecting the external communication device. However, such an easily accessible placement of the communication coupler may also make the communication coupler vulnerable to unauthorized access by an unauthorized person. The unauthorized person may access and tamper the vehicle data for various purposes, such as to disrupt normal functioning of the vehicle or to alter operational parameters of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle data may be tampered to disrupt an internal communication between the ECU and the electronic and mechanical components of the vehicle, resulting in malfunctioning of the vehicle. In one example, tampering of the vehicle data may modify a speed limit of the vehicle at which an ABS is to be engaged. In another example, tampering of the vehicle data may modify the SoC value of batteries. The unauthorised person may access the communication coupler to change the SoC value of batteries of the vehicle, resulting in malfunctioning of the vehicle and thus compromising the safety of the vehicle.

[0018] In many cases, an owner of the vehicle may not even be aware that the ECU or the vehicle data stored therein has been accessed by the unauthorized person. For example, the vehicle data may be tampered to reduce kilometres for which the vehicle has been driven by the owner, before reselling the vehicle to another owner. Thus, unauthorized access to the ECU of the vehicle and data stored therein may result in malfunctioning of the vehicle and may also turn out to be fatal for a rider in some cases. Therefore, insecure placement of communication coupler may ease unauthorized access to the ECU and the data stored therein, making the vehicle data more prone to hacking and tampering. Further, an insecurely placed communication coupler may experience adverse effects of changing weather conditions and surrounding environment. For example, an openly placed communication coupler may be more prone to dust, heat from direct sunlight, rain, and slush that may result in malfunctioning of the communication coupler.

[0019] The present invention relates to techniques for securely placing a communication coupler in a vehicle. According to one example embodiment, the communication coupler may be securely placed inside a compartment of the vehicle. The compartment, such as a storage compartment located under a seat of the vehicle may have a slot in the form of a cut-out located on a wall of the compartment. The slot may be securely covered by a cap to hide the communication coupler placed inside the slot. Further, a communication coupler unit, having the communication coupler and a coupler housing, may be placed inside the slot to securely hold the communication coupler inside the slot. The coupler housing is to house the communication coupler inside the slot.

[0020] In one example implementation, the coupler housing may be detachably attached to a receiving unit of the cap for securely placing the communication coupler unit inside the slot. In one example, the receiving unit of the cap may include a supporting bar and the coupler housing may include a sliding groove. The sliding groove of the coupler housing may be slidable on the supporting bar of the receiving unit to detachably attach the coupler housing with the receiving unit. After detachably attaching the coupler housing with the receiving unit of the cap, the cap may be placed over the slot to cover the slot, resulting in securely placing the communication coupler inside the slot in a hidden manner.

[0021] The present invention thus provides a solution to the problems associated with the conventional techniques related to secured placement of communication couplers in the vehicle. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the communication coupler may be securely placed inside the compartment of the vehicle having the slot and may then be covered by the cap. The communication coupler may thus no longer be openly exposed and may be hidden inside the slot. In this manner, the communication coupler may be hidden and protected from unauthorized access by any unauthorized entity, such as the unauthorized person discussed above. Secure placement of the communication coupler may prevent any unauthorized access from the unauthorized entity, thus enhancing security of the vehicle data and functioning of the ECU, and eventually the functioning of the vehicle.

[0022] Further since the access to the compartment of the vehicle typically requires a key to unlock the vehicle and the compartment, thus, an additional level of security may be provided to prevent unauthorized access to the communication coupler. Further, as the communication coupler is securely placed inside the slot covered by the cap, the communication coupler is secured from adverse effects of changing weather conditions and surrounding environment. For example, the securely placed communication coupler may be less prone to dust, ram, slush, and direct heat from sunlight, thus resulting in longer life of the communication coupler.

[0023] The present subject matter is further described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle 100 according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. Examples of vehicle 100 may include, but are not limited to, a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, and a four- wheeled vehicle. In one example implementation, the vehicle 100 may include a compartment 102, a slot 104, a cap 106, and a communication coupler unit 108. In one example, the compartment 102 may be a storage compartment in which a rider may store different items. In another example, the compartment 102 may be a utility box where one or more tools of the vehicle 100 may be stored. The compartment 102 may be located at any location inside the vehicle 100. In one example, the compartment 102 may be located under a seat of the vehicle 100. In another example, the compartment 102 may be located in front portion, such as near headlight, of the vehicle 100. In yet another example, the compartment 102 may be located at a rear portion, such as near tail light, of the vehicle 100.

[0025] In one example implementation, the compartment 102 may include the slot 104 on a first compartment wall (not shown in this figure) of the compartment 102. In one example, the slot 104 may be in the form of a hollow cut-out located on the first compartment wall. The slot 104 may, for example, be circular, rectangular, oval, elliptical, or square in shape. The vehicle 100 may further include the cap 106 to at least partially cover the slot 104. In one example, the cap 106 may at least partially cover the slot 104. In another example, the cap 106 may completely cover the slot 104. In one example implementation, the cap 106 may further include a receiving unit (not shown in this figure) on a first side of the cap 106. In one example, the first side of the cap 106 may overlap the slot 104 to completely or at least partially cover the slot 104. In one example implementation, the receiving unit of the cap 106 may receive the communication coupler unit 108 to securely hold the communication coupler unit 108 inside the slot 104 when the cap 106 is placed over the slot 104, as discussed in detail in figures 3B and 7A-7C.

[0026] In one example implementation, the communication coupler unit 108 may include a communication coupler 110 and a coupler housing 112. In one example, the communication coupler 110 may include a communication port (not shown) to communicatively couple an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle 100 with an external communication device to enable exchange of vehicle data. In one example, the communication coupler 110 may be coupled with the ECU of the vehicle 100 using one or more wires. The communication coupler 110 may be located inside the vehicle 100. In one example, the communication coupler 110 may be located underneath the slot 104. Examples of the communication coupler 110 may include, but are not limited to, on-board diagnostics (OBD)-l port, OBD-2 or OBD-II port, 6-pin (J1708) port, 9- pin (J1939) port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, and the like. In one example, the external communication device may be connected to the communication coupler 110 to read vehicle data related to operation of the vehicle 100, received and stored by the ECU. For example, the external communication device may be an OBD reader that may be connected to the communication coupler 110, such as an OBD-II port to access the ECU of the vehicle 100 for diagnostic tasks.

[0027] In one example implementation, the communication coupler 110 may be detachably coupled with the coupler housing 112 to be housed within the coupler housing 112. In one example, the coupler housing 112 may include a cavity having a shape similar to the shape of the communication coupler 110 to receive and house the communication coupler 110 inside the cavity.

[0028] In one example implementation, the coupler housing 112 may be detachably attached to the receiving unit of the cap 106 to house the communication coupler unit 108 within the slot 104. In one example, the coupler housing 112 may be slideably attached with the receiving unit of the cap 106. The cap 106 may then be placed over the slot 104 to cover the slot 104 and securely place the communication coupler unit 108 inside the slot 104.

[0029] Thus, the cap 106 may securely place the communication coupler unit 108 inside the slot 104 in a hidden manner. The communication coupler 110 may thus no longer be openly exposed. In this manner, the communication coupler 110 may be protected from unauthorized accesses by any unauthorized entity, thus providing additional security of vehicle data and functioning of the ECU, and eventually the functioning of the vehicle.

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary vehicle comprising a compartment, a slot, a cap, and a communication coupler unit according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In one example, the vehicle may be the vehicle 100 as illustrated in Figure 1 and may include the compartment 102, the slot 104, the cap 106, and the communication coupler unit 108, as illustrated in Figure 1. Though the vehicle 100 is illustrated as a two-wheeled vehicle, the present subject matter may also be implemented for other types of vehicle, such as a three-wheeled vehicle car, and a four- wheeled vehicle.

[0031] The vehicle 100 may include the compartment 102. While the Figure 2 illustrates the compartment 102 to be under the seat of the vehicle 100, the compartment 102 may be provided in different locations in the vehicle 100. For example, the compartment 102 may be provided in a front portion 202 or a rear portion 204 of the vehicle 100. Further, as previously described, the compartment 102 may include the slot 104 on a first compartment wall 206 of the compartment 102.

[0032] Further, the vehicle 100 may include the cap 106 to completely or at least partially cover the slot 104. In one example implementation, the slot 104 may be covered by the cap 106 to securely hide the communication coupler unit 108 inside the slot 104, as discussed in more detail in Figure 3B.

[0033] Figure 3A illustrates an exemplary compartment of the vehicle 100, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In one example, the compartment, such as the compartment 102, may be a storage space in form of a hollow cavity surrounded by sidewalls 302-1, 302-2, 302-3, ... 302-N, hereinafter collectively and individually referred as sidewall 302. In one example, the compartment 102 may be a storage compartment in which a rider may store different items. In another example, the compartment 102 may be a utility box where one or more tools of the vehicle 100 may be stored.

[0034] In one example implementation, one of the sidewalls 302 of the compartment 102 may include the slot 104. In another example implementation, the slot 104 may be provided in an extended wall extending from the sidewall 302. For example, the slot 104 may be located on a first compartment wall 206 that may be an extension of the sidewall 302 of the compartment 102. In one example, the slot 104 may be in the form of a hollow cut-out located on the first compartment wall 206.

[0035] Further, as previously described, the slot 104 may be at least partially covered by the cap 106. In another example, the slot 104 may be completely covered by the cap 106. In one example implementation, the slot 104 may be covered by the cap 106 to securely place the communication coupler unit 108 inside the slot 104, as discussed in more detail in Figure 3B.

[0036] Figure 3B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the compartment 102 of the vehicle 100, with an enlarged view of the communication coupler unit 108 and the cap 106, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. As discussed above, the slot 104 may be covered by the cap 106 to completely or at least partially cover the slot 104. In one example, the slot 104 may be covered by the cap 106 to securely hide the communication coupler unit 108 inside the slot 104.

[0037] In one example implementation, the cap 106 may include a receiving unit 304 on a first side 306 of the cap 106 to detachably couple the communication coupler unit 108 with the cap 106. The receiving unit 304 may include at least one supporting bar 308 to detachably attach the communication coupler unit 108 with the receiving unit 304, to securely place the communication coupler unit 108 inside the slot 104.

[0038] In one example, the communication coupler unit 108 may include the communication coupler 110 and the coupler housing 112. As discussed above, the communication coupler 110 may communicatively couple the ECU of the vehicle 100 with the external communication device. In one example, the ECU may be communicatively coupled with one or more electronic and mechanical components of the vehicle 100. These components may include, but are not limited to, sensors, mechanical actuators, motors, battery, instrument cluster, infotainment system, and mechanical gears of the vehicle 100. In one example, the ECU may communicate with these components using Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol to receive, store, and monitor vehicle data obtained from these electronic and mechanical components. For example, CAN protocol may define how the vehicle data like engine speed, vehicle speed, diagnostics information etc. should be shared between the ECU. Further, in one example, the communication coupler 110 may be communicatively coupled with the ECU using one or more wires. For example, the communication coupler 110 may include one or more receiving ports 310-1, 310-2, ....310-N, hereinafter collectively and individually referred to as receiving port 310, at a first side of the communication coupler 110. The receiving port 310 may receive the one or more wires from the ECU and/or the electronic and mechanical components. [0039] The communication coupler 110 may further include a second side, opposite to the first side, that may include at least one communication port (not shown in this figure) to communicably couple the ECU with the external communication device to enable exchange of data. In one example, the external communication device may be an on-board diagnostics (OBD) reader that may be connected with the at least one communication port of the communication coupler 110, such as an On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) port, to access the ECU of the vehicle 100 for diagnostic tasks.

[0040] Further, the communication coupler 110 may be detachably coupled with the coupler housing 112. In one example, the coupler housing 112 may include a cavity to receive and house the communication coupler 110. Further, the coupler housing 112 may be detachably attached to the receiving unit 304 of the cap 106 to securely house the communication coupler 110 inside the slot 104. In one example, the coupler housing 112 may include a sliding groove 312 slidable on the at least one supporting bar 308 of the receiving unit 304 to detachably attach the coupler housing 112 with the receiving unit 304.

[0041] In operation, to securely place the communication coupler unit 108 inside the slot 104, the communication coupler 110 may first be coupled with the coupler housing 112. The sliding groove 312 of the coupler housing 112 may then be slideably attached with the at least one supporting bar 308 of the receiving unit 304. Once the coupler housing 112, housing the communication coupler 110, is attached with the receiving unit 304, the cap 106 may then be placed over the slot 104 to cover the slot 104. In one example implementation, the cap 106 may include hinges 314-1,... , 314- N, hereinafter collectively and individually referred to as at least one hinge 314, protruding from the first side 306 of the cap 106 to snap fit the cap 106 against the first compartment wall 206 to detachably attach the cap 106 with the slot 104. The slot 104 may include a boundary wall 316 to receive the at least one hinge 314 to snap fit the cap 106 against the first compartment wall 206. Thus, the communication coupler unit 108 may be securely placed inside the slot 104 covered by the cap 106 in a hidden manner.

[0042] Figure 4 discloses a communication coupler unit, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In one example implementation, the communication coupler unit, such as the communication coupler unit 108, may be located inside the vehicle 100. In one example, the communication coupler unit 108 may include a communication coupler, such as the communication coupler 110; and a coupler housing, such as the coupler housing 112. The communication coupler 110 may be configured to be communicatively coupled with the ECU of the vehicle 100. When installed in the vehicle 100, the communication coupler 110 may communicatively couple the ECU of the vehicle 100 with the external communication device, as discussed above.

[0043] Further, as previously described, the communication coupler unit 108 may include the coupler housing 112. The communication coupler 110 may be detachably coupled with the coupler housing 112 to securely house the communication coupler 110 inside the slot 104. In one example implementation, the coupler housing 112 may be detachably attached to the receiving unit 304 on the first side 306 of the cap 106. In one example, the coupler housing 112 may include a sliding groove, such as the sliding groove 312, to slideably attach the coupler housing 112 with the receiving unit 304. The sliding groove 312 of the coupler housing 112 may be slid over at least one supporting bar, such as the at least one supporting bar 308, for detachably attaching the communication coupler unit 108 with the cap 106. The communication coupler 110 may first be coupled with the coupler housing 112. The cap 106 may then be placed over the slot 104 to cover the slot 104 and securely place the communication coupler unit 108 inside the slot 104.

[0044] In one example implementation, the communication coupler unit 108 may include a connector 402 attached with the coupler housing 112 of the communication coupler unit 108. The connector 402 may include a first end 404 and a second end 406. The first end 404 may be attached to the coupler housing 112 and the second end 406 may be attached to a wire (as illustrated in Figure 6) emerging from a first side 408 of the communication coupler 110. In one example, the wire may be the one or more wires used to connect the ECU and/or the electronic and mechanical components of the vehicle 100 with the communication coupler 110, as discussed above. In one example, the second end 406 may include a closed loop 410 to attach the connector 402 with the wire. The wire may pass through the closed loop 410 and be coupled with the first side 408 of the communication coupler 110. The closed loop 410 may thus couple the coupler housing 112 with the wire, thereby, reducing chances of loss of the coupler housing 112, for example, when the coupler housing 112 is not attached with the receiving unit 304 or the communication coupler 110. For example, an operator may remove the communication coupler 110 from the coupler housing 112 for connecting the external communication device with the at least one communication port located at the second side of the communication coupler 110. In order to avoid loss of the coupler housing 112 at such instances, the wire may be passed through the closed loop 410, thus coupling the coupler housing 112 with the wire, as discussed in Figure 6.

[0045] Figure 5A illustrates an exemplary communication coupler, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In one example, the communication coupler may be the communication coupler 110 communicatively coupled with the ECU and/or the electronic and mechanical components of the vehicle 100. As previously described, the communication coupler 110 may include the receiving ports 310 at the first side 408 for being coupled with the ECU and/or the electronic and mechanical components using one or more wires 502. Further, a second side 500 of the communication coupler 110 (opposite to the first side 408), may include at least one communication port (not shown in this figure) to communicably couple the ECU with the external communication device. In one example, the at least one communication port may be communicatively coupled with the external communication device. The at least one communication port may enable exchange of data between the ECU and the external communication device.

[0046] In one example, the communication coupler 110 may further include at least one protruding lock 504. In one example, the protruding lock 504 may be received in a protruding receptacle (as illustrated in Figure 5B) of the coupler housing 112 when the communication coupler 110 is coupled with the coupler housing 112. In one example, the protruding lock 504 and the protruding receptacle may affix the communication coupler 110 with the coupler housing 112 to securely couple the communication coupler 110 with the coupler housing 112.

[0047] Figure 5B illustrates an exemplary coupler housing, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In one example, the exemplary coupler housing may be the coupler housing 112, as discussed above. The coupler housing 112 may include a cavity 506 to receive and house the communication coupler 110. In one example, the cavity 506 may be formed by sidewalls 508-1, 508-2... 508-N, hereinafter referred collectively and individually as sidewall 508. The cavity 506 may be of a predefined dimension to securely house the communication coupler 110. In one example, the cavity 506 may be of slightly larger dimensions, such as height, width, length, and shape, than the communication coupler 110 to at least partially receive and house the communication coupler 110 inside the cavity 506. In one example, the coupler housing 112 may include a protruding receptacle 510. The protruding receptacle 510 may receive the protruding lock 504 of the communication coupler 110 to securely couple the coupler housing 112 and the communication coupler 110.

[0048] Further, the coupler housing 112 may be attached to the first end 404 of the connector 402, as discussed above. Further, the second end 406 of the connector 402 may be attached to the one or more wire 502, as further illustrated in Figure 6, emerging from the first side 408 of the communication coupler 110. In one example, the one or more wires 502 may be wires used to connect the ECU and/or the electronic and mechanical components of the vehicle 100 with the communication coupler 110, as discussed above. In one example, the second end 406 may include a closed loop 512 to attach the connector 402 with the one or more wires 502. The one or more wires 502 may pass through the closed loop 512 to couple the coupler housing 112 with the one or more wires 502, thus reducing the chances of loss of the coupler housing 112. Therefore, the closed loop 512 may act as a harness to couple the coupler housing 112 with the one or more wires 502 to avoid loss of the coupler housing 112, as discussed in Figure 6.

[0049] The closed loop 512 may be of any shape and size. For example, Figure 4 and Figure 5B illustrate different shapes and size of the closed loop according to different exemplary embodiments. In one example embodiment, the closed loop may a circular shaped closed loop, such as the closed loop 410 illustrated in Figure 4. In another example embodiment, the closed loop may be a trapezium shaped closed loop, such as the closed loop 512 illustrated in Figure 5B.

[0050] Figure 6 illustrates a communication coupler detachably attached with a coupler housing, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In one example implementation, the communication coupler, such as the communication coupler 110, may be communicatively coupled with the ECU of the vehicle 100, as discussed above. The coupler housing, such as the coupler housing 112, may receive and house the communication coupler 110 inside the cavity 506. In one example, a manufacturer may attach the coupler housing 112 with the one or more wires 502 at a manufacturing or installation stage. For example, a technician may initially pass the one or more wires 502 though the closed loop 410 of the connector 402 attached with the coupler housing 112. The technician may then couple the communication coupler 110 with the one or more wires 502. The communication coupler 110 may then be detachably coupled with the coupler housing 112.

[0051] In one example implementation, the second side 500 of the communication coupler 110, i.e., the top side having the at least one communication port, may be inserted into the cavity 506. The communication coupler 110 may further be pushed inwards to completely or partially insert the communication coupler 110 into the cavity 506. In one example, as a result of the pushing of the communication coupler 110 into the cavity 506, the protruding lock 504 may get locked with the protruding receptacle 510 of the coupler housing 112, thereby, removably affixing the communication coupler 110 within the coupler housing 112. When affixed, the at least one communication port may face the sidewall 508-2 of the coupler housing 112. Thus, the communication coupler 110 may be prevented from getting into contact with external elements, such as dust, water, and slush, thereby increasing life and preventing malfunctioning of the communication coupler 110.

[0052] Further, the coupler housing 112 may be detachably attached to the receiving unit 304 of the cap 106 for placing the communication coupler 110 inside the slot 104. The slot 104 may then be covered by the cap 106. Thus, the communication coupler 110 may be securely placed inside the slot 104. As a result, the communication coupler 110 may be secured from unauthorized access thereby preventing unauthorised access and tampering of the vehicle data.

[0053] Figure 7A illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary cap, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. Figure 7B illustrates a front view of the exemplary cap, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. Figure 7C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary cap, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0054] In one example implementation, the cap, such as the cap 106, may be utilized to at least partially or completely cover the slot 104, as discussed above. The cap 106 may include the receiving unit 304 on the first side 306 of the cap 106. The receiving unit 304 may receive the communication coupler unit 108. In one example, the receiving unit 304 may include the supporting bar 308 to slidably receive the sliding groove 312 of the coupler housing 112 to detachably attach the coupler housing 112 with the receiving unit 304, as discussed above. [0055] Further, the cap 106 may include the hinges 314, protruding from the first side 306 of the cap 106 to snap fit against the first compartment wall 206 to detachably attach the cap 106 with the slot 104. Once the communication coupler unit 108 is attached to the receiving unit 304, the cap 106 may be placed over the slot 104 to completely or at least partially cover the slot 104. The communication coupler unit 108, including the communication coupler 110, may thus get hidden inside the slot 104 and may not be easily accessible to any unauthorized person. As a result, the vehicle data may be secured against any unauthorized access and tampering.

[0056] Although examples for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it should be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained as examples of the present subject matter.

Claims

I/We Claim:

1. A vehicle (100) comprising: a compartment (102) having a slot (104) on a first compartment wall (206) of the compartment (102); a cap (106) to at least partially cover the slot (104), wherein the cap (106) comprises a receiving unit (304) on a first side of the cap (106); a communication coupler unit (108) to be placed inside the slot (104), wherein the communication coupler unit (108) comprises: a communication coupler (110) communicatively coupled with an electronic control unit of the vehicle (100); and a coupler housing (112) to house the communication coupler (110), wherein the coupler housing (112) is to be detachably attached to the receiving unit (304) of the cap (106) for placing the communication coupler unit (108) inside the slot (104).

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication coupler (110) comprises at least one communication port to communicably couple the electronic control unit with an external communication device to enable exchange of data between the electronic control unit and the external communication device.

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving unit (304) of the cap (106) comprises at least one supporting bar (308) to detachably attach the coupler housing (112) of the communication coupler unit (108) with the receiving unit (304).

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the coupler housing (112) comprises a sliding groove (312) slidable on the at least one supporting bar (308) of the receiving unit (304) to detachably attach the coupler housing (112) with the receiving unit (304) for placing the communication coupler unit (108) inside the slot (104).

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap (106) comprises at least one hinge (314) protruding from the first side (306) of the cap (106) to snap fit against the first compartment wall (206) to detachably attach the cap (106) with the slot (104).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compartment (102) is located under a seat of the vehicle (100), at a front portion (202) of the vehicle (100), and at a rear portion (204) of the vehicle (100).

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication coupler unit (108) further comprises a connector (402) having a first end (404) and a second end (406), wherein the first end (404) is attached to the coupler housing (112) and the second end (406) is attached to a wire emerging from a first side (408) of the communication coupler (110), and wherein the second end (406) comprises a closed loop (410) to attach the connector (402) with the wire.

8. A communication coupler unit (108) comprising: a communication coupler (110) to be communicatively coupled with an electronic control unit of a vehicle (100); and a coupler housing (112) to house the communication coupler (110) inside a slot (104) located in a compartment (102) of the vehicle (100), wherein the coupler housing (112) comprises a sliding groove (312) to slideably attach the coupler housing (112) with a receiving unit (304) on a first side (306) of a cap (106), wherein the cap (106) is to at least partially cover the slot (104).

9. The communication coupler unit (108) as claimed in claim 8, further comprises a connector (402) having a first end (404) and a second end (406), wherein the first end (404) is attached to the coupler housing (112) and the second end (406) is attached to a wire emerging from a first side (408) of the communication coupler (110), and wherein the second end (406) comprises a closed loop (410) to attach the connector (402) with the wire.