Centralized Vehicle Control Parameter Optimization Across ECUs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing the complexity of modern vehicle control systems with numerous ECUs and integrating externally obtained information to generate optimal control solutions is challenging due to increased specialization, hardware demands, and the need for continuous recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A centralized optimization unit (ACF) integrates with subsystem control units to monitor vehicle components, calculate updated control parameters, and communicate these to ECUs, reducing computational load on individual ECUs by performing complex recalibration tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex control algorithms (such as MPC) are implemented in each ECU to maximize fuel efficiency and control emissions, then control precision and fuel efficiency are improved, but hardware complexity and computational demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized optimization unit acts as an intermediary between external data sources and individual ECUs. This unit performs complex recalibration calculations centrally, then communicates updated control parameters to relevant ECUs, reducing the computational burden on each individual ECU while maintaining control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the recalibration functionality from multiple distributed ECUs into a single centralized optimization unit. This consolidation eliminates redundant computational resources across the vehicle system while preserving the ability to perform complex control algorithms where needed
2Speed
If each ECU independently monitors and recalibrates control parameters, then response time and adaptability are improved, but system complexity and redundancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized optimization unit serves as an intermediary that receives monitoring data from multiple ECUs, performs centralized recalibration, and distributes updated parameters back to the appropriate ECUs. This approach maintains fast response times while reducing overall system complexity through centralized management
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized optimization unit performs multiple functions: it monitors component health, determines when recalibration is needed, performs the recalibration calculations, and distributes updated parameters to multiple ECUs. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for redundant recalibration capabilities in each ECU
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized control modules are created by OEMs rather than integrated from third parties, then control precision and system integration are improved, but manufacturing cost and development time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized optimization unit provides a universal platform that can serve multiple different ECU types and control functions. By consolidating recalibration capabilities in this single unit, the system reduces the need for specialized hardware in each ECU, potentially lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining integration precision
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of each ECU having full recalibration capabilities, the system creates a centralized copy of the optimization functionality. Individual ECUs can then receive updated parameters from this central source, achieving the benefits of specialized control without duplicating the expensive recalibration infrastructure in each unit
Data Source
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AI summary
Advanced vehicle control systems are disclosed. Within a vehicle system having several subsystem controllers dedicated to separate tasks in the vehicle, the subsystem controllers may use supplied control parameters. In this context, a centralized optimization unit is configured to receive prediction data, determine, within a prediction horizon, a modification to at least one supplied control parameter using the prediction data; and communicate the modification to the at least one supplied control parameter to at least one subsystem control unit.