Improvements in relation to mounting electronic control units

Abstract

An in-vehicle mounting assembly 101 for an electronic control unit (ECU) 10 having an interface end 12 facilitating connection to other vehicle systems and an opposing blind end 14 is provided. The bl

Description

Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to mounting Electronic Control Units (ECUs) within a vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to an in-vehicle mounting assembly for ECUs; to a vehicle comprising such a mounting assembly; and to a method of mounting an ECU in a vehicle. Background to the Invention In automotive applications, ECUs are used to control vehicle functions such as engine control, door locks, airbags, and braking systems. As modem vehicles require many different vehicle functions, they comprise multiple ECUs, each responsible for controlling a specific vehicle function. ECUs are provided around the vehicle in a variety of locations, depending on where there is space to mount them. Typically, each ECU is secured in position by an individual bracket and provided with an individual wiring harness to connect the ECU to the engine and / or other vehicle sensors and components. As each ECU is provided in a different location, each bracket and wiring harness is designed for the specific ECU and location. Not only is the design and manufacturing of bespoke brackets and harnesses costly, but fitting the brackets and harnesses can also be complicated and time consuming, requiring knowledge of each specific arrangement. As space in vehicles is limited, it is common for ECUs to be mounted between an inner body panel of the vehicle and an interior trim, for example in the trunk of a vehicle. Typically, such a space comprises an insulating material such as Polyurethane (PU) foam and the ECU is provided within a cutout of the PU foam such that it is mounted adjacent to the inner body panel and / or the interior trim. This arrangement can be problematic as it limits air circulation for heat dissipation around each ECU. Furthermore, mounting ECUs between the inner body panel of the vehicle and the interior trim means that the depth of the space between the inner body panel and interior trim must be sufficient to house and cover the ECU, such that it is not visible to the vehicle occupant. Therefore, the useable space, for example, within the trunk may be encroached upon, restricting the room available for luggage storage. To minimise this effect, many ECUs are mounted such that the largest surface lies substantially parallel to the inner body panel and / or interior trim. Whilst this effectively minimises the depth of space required between the inner body panel and interior trim, this limits the number of ECUs that can be mounted on the panel. This also makes it difficult to retrofit additional ECUs as there is often insufficient remaining mounting space. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an ECU mounting solution that at least partially overcomes or alleviates these problems. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an in-vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) mounting assembly, the assembly comprising: a vehicle outer body panel; a vehicle inner body panel comprising one or more receiving slots; at least one ECU, the ECU(s) comprising an interface end and an opposing blind end; and fixing means for securing the ECU(s) to the inner body panel; wherein the inner body panel receiving slots are adapted such that at least the blind end of the ECU (s) can pass therethrough such that when the or each ECU is secured to the inner body panel using the fixing means, the blind end of the or each ECU is provided between the inner body panel and the outer body panel; and the interface end of the or each ECU is accessible from an inner side of the inner body panel. Providing such an ECU mounting assembly is particularly advantageous as the ECU may be stored in the otherwise unutilised space between an inner body panel and an outer body panel of the vehicle; as opposed to being stored between an inner body panel and a corresponding interior trim panel as is customary. Utilising the space between an inner body panel and an outer body panel to store the ECU is beneficial as it enables the interior trim to be provided closer to the inner body panel; as it is no longer required to be of sufficient depth to house and cover the ECU. This increases the volume of useable space within the vehicle, which may be used to store more luggage; or to provide more space within the cabin to improve passenger comfort. Furthermore, as the otherwise unutilised space between the inner body panel and the outer body panel does not commonly comprise an insulating material, it is much easier to provide adequate circulation around the ECU to permit sufficient cooling of the device. Where discrete ECU mounting brackets can be dispensed with, there will be a benefit in reduction of vehicle mass; and in tooling costs for such discrete brackets. The interface end of each ECU may comprise one or more wires, sockets or the like. The wires and / or sockets may enable connection between the ECU and other vehicle systems. In some cases, the interface end may additionally comprise one or more switches and / or or status indicators. In such embodiments, the switches and / or status indicators may facilitate an integration process with other vehicle systems and / or maintenance / repair post installation. Each ECU may be of a single standard size or of one of a set of standard sizes. In some embodiments, each ECU may be substantially cuboid. By providing a limited number of standard sizes of ECU, the other features of the ECU mounting assembly may also be standardised, simplifying design and installation as well as potentially reducing costs. This further facilitates subsequent changes ofECU(s) and / or retrofitting of additional and / or upgraded ECUs. An external surface of each ECU may comprise a housing. The housing may substantially correspond in size and / or shape to the ECU. The housing can provide a measure of protection to the internal elements of the ECU. The housing may comprise at least one open end; or may have an end closed by a faceplate comprising electronic connectors. The wires and / or sockets may be accessible through one or more access openings. Each receiving slot may comprise reinforcement about at least a portion of the slot. The reinforcement may comprise a flange or the like. This can increase the rigidity of the inner body panel in the vicinity of the receiving slot such that the weight of each ECU may be easily supported. The inner panel may comprise a single receiving slot or multiple receiving slots. Provision of multiple receiving slots is advantageous as it enables multiple ECUs of standard sizes to be mounted to a single inner body panel. This further allows the number and positioning of the ECUs to be optimised. Each receiving slot may be of a single standard size or of one of a set of standard sizes. A suitable standard size may be, but is not limited to, 226mm by 46mm. In some embodiments, each receiving slot may correspond in size to at least one of the standard sizes of the ECU. By providing a limited number of standard sizes, the ECU mounting assembly may also be standardised, simplifying design and installation as well as potentially reducing costs. This further facilitates subsequent changes of ECU and / or retrofitting of additional and / or upgraded ECUs. Where there are multiple receiving slots provided, each receiving slot may be the same size. In such embodiments, each receiving slot may be of the same standard size corresponding to a standard size ECU. Alternatively, where there are multiple receiving slots provided, some or all of the receiving slots may be of different sizes. In such embodiments, each receiving slot may be of a set of standard sizes corresponding to a set of standard ECU sizes. Where there are multiple receiving slots provided, each receiving slot may be provided adjacent to another receiving slot. In such embodiments, the multiple receiving slots may be provided in a regular pattern or array. For example, two or more receiving slots may be provided along a common axis across the panel surface. This can provide a space efficient arrangement of receiving slots on the available panel area. As such, this can maximise the number of ECUs that can be mounted on a single inner body panel. The ECU mounting assembly may be provided in any suitable location within a vehicle. Suitable locations include but are not limited to: above or around a vehicle wheel arch; within a vehicle front wing; within a vehicle rear wing; into a vehicle bulkhead from the engine or interior sides; or the like. In some embodiments, the ECU(s) may be provided in locations at lower risk of damage from low speed crash impacts. Typically, this may comprise locations that are not forward of the front wheel arches or rearward of the rear wheel arches. This has the benefit that should the vehicle be involved in a collision, it is less likely that the ECU mounting assembly will be damaged and need to be fixed and / or replaced. In locations where the available panel area is not rectilinear, larger sized receiving slots may be provided in broader sections of the available panel area. This can help make the most efficient use of the available panel area. For example, if the mounting assembly is provided adjacent to a wheel arch, receiving slots provided directly above the peak of the arch may be wider than those provided to either side of the arch. Similarly, receiving slots provided on either side of the arch, closer to the peak of the arch may be wider than those provided further from the peak of the arch. In locations where the inner body panel and outer body panel are not parallel and there are multiple receiving slots, the receiving slots may be positioned such that larger receiving slots are in locations where the spacing between the inner body panel and the outer body panel is larger. This facilitates fitting larger ECUs where there is more space between the inner body panel and the outer body panel. The fixing means may comprise at least one bracket. The at least one bracket may be a standard size. The at least one bracket may be integrally formed with the ECU or the housing. Alternatively, the at least one bracket may be attached to the ECU or housing. The at least one bracket may be attached to the ECU or housing at or adjacent to the interface end. The at least one bracket may be a right-angled bracket or a corner bracket. The at least one bracket may be an end plate. The end plate may have dimensions exceeding the dimensions of the receiving slot. The end plate may comprise an opening corresponding to the area of the interface end of the ECU. Alternatively, the end plate may comprise one or more openings corresponding to the one or more wires, sockets or the like of the interface end. The plate may have dimensions greater than the one or more receiving slots. The fixing means may comprise one or more fixing studs and one or more corresponding fixing holes. Each fixing stud may be adapted to engage with a fixing nut or end cap. In such embodiments the fixing stud and fixing nut or end cap may be provided with corresponding threads. In some embodiments, the fixing studs may project from the inner body panel and the fixing holes may be provided in the bracket. This conveniently allows the studs to aid alignment of the ECU with the receiving slot before being secured in place using the fixing nuts. The skilled person will appreciate that other arrangements of corresponding elements may be substituted where appropriate. The ECU mounting assembly may comprise a wiring harness. The wiring harness may be a standard size and / or shape. The wiring harness may comprise one or more wires and / or one or more sockets or the like. The wires and / or sockets may be adapted to connect to the one or more sockets and / or one or more wires of the interface end. Provision of such a wiring harness enables each ECU provided in the ECU mounting assembly to be efficiently connected to the one or more vehicle systems. The interface end of the ECU may be colour coded and / or shaped to correspond to the wiring harness. This can help facilitate correct and efficient installation. The vehicle may comprise an interior trim. The interior trim may be provided over the inner panel. The wiring harness may be provided between the inner panel and the interior trim. At least one of the interior trim or the inner panel may comprise means for releasably attaching the wiring harness. For example, suitable means may include releasable fasteners, clips, or brackets. The wiring harness may comprise at least one conduit. A plurality of wires may pass through the at least one conduit. In some such embodiments, an insulating layer may be provided between the inner body panel and the interior trim. The insulating layer may comprise one or more cutouts. This can assist in accommodating the ECU, the fixing means and / or any wires or wiring harness. The insulating layer may be formed from a foam material. Suitable foam materials include but are not limited to Polyurethane (PU) foam. The ECU may be connected to one or more vehicle systems via the interface end. The ECU may be connected to any suitable vehicle system. Suitable vehicle systems include but are not limited to: engine management systems, engine sensors, tyre pressure sensors, lane assist sensors, parking sensors, powered windows, powered wing mirrors, powered windscreen wipers, in-vehicle entertainment systems, vehicle alarms, vehicle telemetry units, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), or the like. The vehicle may be powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE). The vehicle may be powered by one or more electric motor(s). According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising an in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention. The vehicle of the second aspect of the present invention may comprise any features of the in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of the first aspect of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate. In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mounting an ECU within a vehicle comprising the steps of: providing an in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention; inserting the blind end of the ECU through the receiving slot; and securing the ECU to the vehicle inner body panel using the fixing means. The method of the third aspect of the present invention may comprise any features of the in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of the first aspect of the present invention or the vehicle of the second aspect of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate. The method may comprise the step of connecting one or more vehicle systems to the ECU. The connection may be via one or more wires or the like. In some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of providing a wiring harness; and connecting the wiring harness to each ECU provided in the in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly. Optionally, the method may comprise the step of connecting the interface end of each ECU to the plurality of wires of the wiring harness. In such embodiments, the method may comprise the step of releasably attaching the wiring harness to at least one of the interior trim or inner panel. The method may include the step of applying an interior trim over the installed ECU. In such cases, the method may include the step of applying an insulating layer between the inner body panel and the interior trim. The method may include the step of providing one or more cutout sections in the insulating layer. Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, one or more embodiments thereof will now be described - by way of example only - with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure la illustrates a prior art Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for a vehicle; Figure lb is a schematic cross-section of an in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly according to the prior art; Figure 1c is a perspective view of an in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly according to the prior art; Figure 2a is a schematic cross-section of an in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly according to the present invention; Figure 2b is a view of a receiving slot layout provided in the inner body panel of the in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly according to the present invention; Figure 2c is a perspective view of the in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly according to the present invention; Figure 2d is an indicative ECU for use with the in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly according to the present invention; Figure 2e is an alternative indicative ECU for use with the in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly according to the present invention; Figures 3a-c are a series of indicative receiving slot layouts for mounting multiple ECUs using the in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly according to the present invention; and Figure 4 is an illustrative view of a vehicle indicating potential locations for the in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly according to the present invention. In automotive applications, Electronic Control Units (ECUs) are used to control vehicle functions such as engine control, door locks, airbags, and braking systems. As modern vehicles require many different vehicle functions, they typically comprise multiple ECUs, each responsible for controlling a specific vehicle function. ECUs are provided around the vehicle in a variety of locations, depending on where there is space to be mounted. Turning now to Figure la, an indicative Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 10 for a vehicle is shown. The ECU comprises multiple components provided in a simple box shaped housing 11. The skilled person will however appreciate that different or more complex housing shapes may be utilised, if required or desired. The ECU 10 comprises an interface end 12 provided with a number of sockets 13 adapted to enable connection of one or more wires, cables or the like; and an opposing blind end 14. In this manner, the ECU 10 can be connected to other vehicle systems. The skilled person will appreciate that the number and nature of the sockets can vary according to the particular requirements of the ECU 10. In some instances (not shown in the example), a wire or cable (optionally fitted with a connector, ferrule or the like) may additionally or alternatively project from the interface end. As illustrated in Figure lb, in the prior art in-vehicle mounting assembly 1, the ECU 10 is mounted between an inner body panel 20 of the vehicle and an interior trim panel 40. As shown, the inner body panel is interior of; and spaced apart from; a corresponding vehicle outer body panel 30. As illustrated schematically in Figure lb, the ECU can be provided within a cutout of an insulating layer 50 (such as Polyurethane (PU) foam or the like). Whilst this provides protection and support for the ECU and / or the trim, it can limit the potential for the ECU to effectively dissipate waste heat. Similarly, a wire 60 connected to the ECU 10 via a socket 13 (as shown in Figure la) can also run within a cutout of insulating layer 50. As illustrated in Figure 1c (which omits the trim to better illustrate the inner side of the inner body panel) the ECU 10 is mounted above a wheel arch 29. As the space between the inner body panel 20 and the trim is relatively narrow, the ECU 10 is positioned with its largest exterior surface substantially adjacent to the inner body panel 20. Whilst this allows the ECU 10 to fit in this location, it limits the space available for fitting additional ECUs in this space. As illustrated in Figure 1c, multiple wires 60 are connected to the interface end 12 of the ECU 10. In order to hold the ECU 10 in position, an individual bracket (not shown) adapted to fit both the ECU 10 and the mounting location is provided. Additionally, an individual wiring harness adapted to fit both the ECU and the mounting location can be provided to guide any wires / cables for facilitating connection to other vehicle systems to the interface end. The use of such individual brackets and wiring harnesses allows the ECU to fit in a specific location, but increases the complexity of fitting the ECU. It also makes retrofitting additional or alternative ECUs in this space difficult or impractical. The in-vehicle mounting assembly 101 of the present invention addresses these issues by mounting the ECU in the otherwise unutilised space between the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30, as illustrated in Figure 2. As will be outlined further below, providing ECUs 10 in the space between inner and outer body panels 20, 30, allows more efficient mounting of multiple ECUs 10, the potential for standardisation of ECU mounting assemblies 101 and improved air circulation / heat dissipation around each ECU 10. Turning back to Figure 2, especially Figure 2a, in the present invention the blind end 14 of each ECU 10 is located between the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30; with the interface end 12 of the ECU 10 accessible from an inner side of the inner body panel 20. In this configuration, the skilled person will appreciate that the interface end 12 may be recessed from the inner body panel 20; may project from the inner body panel 20; or may be substantially level with the inner body panel 20, as required. To facilitate this arrangement, the vehicle inner body panel 20 comprises one or more receiving slots 21. In the example of Figure 2b there are two receiving slots 21a, 21b provided in a vertically stacked arrangement. Each receiving slot 21 is adapted such that at least the blind end 14 of the ECU 10 can pass therethrough to reach a mounting position between the inner and outer body panels 20, 30. The assembly 101 also comprises fixing means 70 (described in more detail below) for securing each ECU 10 to the inner body panel 20. Whilst the fixing means can take many suitable forms, in the examples of Figure 2, the fixing means comprise one or more brackets attached to or integrally formed with the ECU 10 and one or more fixing studs. In the example of Figure 2d, the ECU is provided with two corner brackets 71 attached to opposing sides of the ECU 10 adjacent to the interface end 12. In the example of figure 2e, the bracket comprises an end plate 72 having a size greater than the corresponding receiving slot 21 (Figure 3). The end plate 72 is attached to (or attached adjacent to) the interface end 12 of the ECU 10. In this example the end plate 72 has an opening 73 through which the sockets 13 can be accessed. Brackets comprising end plates 72 are used in the example of Figure 2c. As shown in Figures 2b and 2c, each receiving slot 21 is provided with one or more fixing studs 75, projecting internally from the inner body panel 20 around the edges of the receiving slot 21. Typically, each fixing stud 75 may be threaded and provided with a removable threaded fixing nut 76 or similar. The bracket of the ECU 10 is provided with fixing holes 74 corresponding to the position of the fixing studs 75 such that the fixing studs 75 project through the fixing holes 74 when the ECU is in position between the inner body panel 20 and outer body panel 30. As illustrated best in Figure 2c, the ECU 10 is then secured in position by tightening the fixing nuts 76 on the threaded fixing studs 75. Beneficially, the fixing studs 75 also help ensure correct alignment of the ECU with respect to the inner body panel 20. Once the ECU 10 is mounted in position, it can be connected to one or more other vehicle systems. This may be achieved by connecting one or more wires 60 to the sockets 13 of the interface end 12 as illustrated in Figure 2c. The skilled person will appreciate that the wires may project from a wiring harness. After installation, as shown in Figure 2a, interior trim 40 is optionally fitted over the ECU 10. The ECU is therefore behind the interior trim 40 in normal vehicle operation. As shown in Figure 2a, optionally an insulating layer 50 can be provided between the trim and the inner body panel 20. This can provide additional protection to the ECU 10 during normal vehicle operation. The insulating layer 50 may be provided with cut out sections 50c to accommodate the ECU 10, wires 60, fixing studs 75 and / or nuts 76. In the example of Figure 2c, two ECUs 10a, 10b are mounted in a vertically stacked arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the receiving slots 21a, 21b (Figure 2b). When compared with the example of Figure 1c, the example of Figure 2c allows two ECUs 10a, 10b of equivalent size to the ECU 10 in Figure 1c to be mounted on the same panel area. Accordingly, a vehicle comprising ECU mounting assemblies 101 of the present invention may efficiently mount more ECUs 10 on the same panel area than prior art ECU mounting assemblies 1. If, as shown in Figures 2b and 2c, the receiving slots 21 are of a standard size, and if ECUs 10 are also provided in standard sizes, it can allow each ECU 10 to be fitted using standard fixing means 70 rather than bespoke brackets. This considerably simplifies installation of an ECU 10; or indeed, replacement or retrofitting of ECUs 10. In some instances, this standardisation could enable ECUs 10 to be mounted in interchangeable positions within a vehicle. Nevertheless, it is often still advantageous that each particular ECU 10 is assigned to a dedicated location within the vehicle. This eases the task of testing / checking ECUs 10 post installation as well as ensuring that a wiring harness or at least a suitable wired connection 60 is available for each ECU 10. In order to ensure that each particular ECU 10 is fitted in a dedicated location, a range of standard variations in ECU 10 / receiving slot 21 size / shape and / or the arrangement of fixing means 70 can be provided for each in-vehicle mounting assembly within the vehicle. For instance, each ECU 10 can have different external dimensions and each receiving slot 21 can thus be sized to specifically correspond only to one particular ECU 10. Alternatively, the same benefit can be realised using standard sized ECUs 10 / receiving slots 21 by varying the fixing means 70 associated with each ECU 10 / receiving slot 21. In the example of Figure 2c, the lower ECU 10b is secured in position using fixing means 70 comprising a single fixing stud 75 at either side of the receiving slot 21b (Figure 2b), whereas the upper ECU 10a is secured in position using fixing means 70 comprising a pair of fixing studs 75 at either side of the receiving slot 21a (also Figure 2b). Accordingly, the single fixing stud 75 on each side of receiving slot 21b cannot be aligned with the fixing holes 74 of the bracket of ECU 10a if the ECU 10a is inserted into the receiving slot 21b. Similarly, neither of the pair of fixing studs 75 on either side of receiving slot 21a can be aligned with the fixing holes 74 of the ECU 10b if the ECU 10b is inserted into the receiving slot 21a. Whilst Figure 2 shows a pair of vertically stacked ECUs 10a, 10b, the skilled person will appreciate that other arrangements of ECUs 10 within an available panel area are possible. Turning to Figure 3a, this shows a vertically stacked arrangement of four receiving slots 21c-21f within a simple rectangular shaped area of internal panel 20. In this example, each receiving slot 21c-21f is of the same standard size. This facilitates the mounting of four ECUs 10 of the same standard size. Turning to Figure 3b, this shows a vertically stacked arrangement of four receiving slots 21g-21j within a simple rectangular shaped area of internal panel 20. In this example, the receiving slots 21g, 21h are of one standard size and the receiving slots 21i, 21j are of another standard size. This facilitates the mounting of two ECUs 10 of one standard size and two ECUs 10 of a second, different standard size. Turning to Figure 3c, this shows a both vertically and horizontally stacked arrangement of six receiving slots 21k-21p. The arrangement is laid out over an irregular shaped area of internal panel 20. In this case, the area is bounded by wheel arch 29. Within this example, the receiving slots 21k, 211 are of one standard size and the receiving slots 21m-21p are of another standard size. This facilitates the mounting of two ECUs of one standard size and four ECUs of a second, smaller standard size. The skilled person will appreciate that more or fewer receiving slots may be provided than shown in any of the examples of Figure 3. Similarly, the skilled person will appreciate that more than two different standard receiving slot sizes may be provided in other examples. Furthermore, the skilled person will appreciate that the relative alignment between the receiving slots may vary from those shown in any of the examples of Figure 3. The in-vehicle mounting assembly of the present invention can be provided at multiple different locations within a given vehicle 100. Turning now to Figure 4, a number of possible locations for in-vehicle mount assemblies are indicated. In particular, the illustrated locations include over the front wheel arch 110, behind the front wheel arch 120, and over the rear wheel arch 150. The skilled person will appreciate that actual locations may be varied from those indicated in Figure 4 and / or the shapes of panel areas in these locations may be varied as required or available. The skilled person will appreciate that whilst mounting assemblies 101 of the present invention can be provided between any vehicle inner panel 20 and outer panel 30, the most suitable locations, such as those illustrated in Figure 4, are in positions that are readily accessible during manufacture or servicing. Furthermore, the most suitable locations are those are relatively unlikely to sustain damage during low speed impact incidents that may not necessitate urgent need for repair. Examples of such incidents include, a low speed front or rear impact in traffic or an impact with a stationary object during a parking attempt. In this context, it will be noted that Figure 4 does not provide 5 ECU mounting assemblies 101 forward of the front wheel arch or rearward of the rear wheel arch. These locations are less desirable, as these areas of inner and outer panels 20, 30 are especially prone to deformation as a result of low speed impact incidents. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded 10 by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An in-vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) mounting assembly, the assemblycomprising: a vehicle outer body panel; a vehicle inner body panel comprising one or more receiving slots; at least one ECU, the or each ECU comprising an interface end and an opposing blind end; and fixing means for securing the or each ECU to the inner body panel wherein the receiving slots are adapted such that at least the blind end of the ECU(s) can pass therethrough; such that when the or each ECU is secured to the inner body panel using the fixing means, the blind end of the or each ECU is provided between the inner body panel and the outer body panel, and the interface end of the or each ECU is accessible from an inner side of the inner body panel.

2. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the interface end of each ECU comprises one or more wires, sockets or the like.

3. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein each ECU is of a single standard size; or of one of a set of standard sizes.

4. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of any preceding claim, wherein an external surface of the or each ECU comprises a housing which substantially corresponds in size and / or shape to the ECU(s).

5. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of any preceding claim, wherein each receiving slot comprises reinforcement about at least a portion of the aperture.

6. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of claim 5, wherein the reinforcement comprises a flange or the like.

7. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of any preceding claim, wherein eachreceiving slot is of a single standard size or of one of a set of standard sizes.

8. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein each receiving slot corresponds in size to at least one of the standard sizes of the ECU.

9. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of any preceding claim, wherein there are multiple receiving slots provided; and each receiving slot is the same size.

10. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of any claims 1 to 8, wherein there are multiple receiving slots provided; and some or all of the receiving slots are of different sizes.

11. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of any preceding claim, wherein there are multiple receiving slots provided; and each receiving slot is provided adjacent to another receiving slot.

12. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein the multiple receiving slots are provided in a regular pattern or array.

13. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of claim 12, wherein the ECU mounting assembly is provided above or around a vehicle wheel arch; within a vehicle front wing; within a vehicle rear wing; within a vehicle bulkhead; or the like.

14. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the fixing means comprise at least one bracket; and the at least one bracket is of a standard size.

15. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one bracket is a plate.

16. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the fixing means comprises one or more fixing studs; and the bracket comprises one or more corresponding fixing holes.

17. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising a wiring harness.

18. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of claim 17, wherein the wiring harness comprises one or more wires and / or one or more sockets or the like adapted to connect to the one or more sockets and / or one or more wires of the interface end.

19. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of any of claims 17 or 18, wherein an interior trim is provided over the inner panel.

20. The in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the ECU is connected to one or more vehicle systems via the interface end.

21. A vehicle comprising an in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly according to any preceding claim.5 22. A method of mounting an ECU within a vehicle comprising the steps of:providing an in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly according to any of claims 1 to 20; inserting the blind end of the ECU through the receiving slot; and securing the ECU to the vehicle inner body panel using the fixing means.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of connecting one or more10 vehicle systems to the ECU.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of providing a wiring harness and connecting the wiring harness to each ECU provided in the in-vehicle ECU mounting assembly.

25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, further comprising the step of15 applying an interior trim panel over the installed ECU.

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