ECU Backup Power Layout With Merged Capacitor Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic control units (ECUs) face challenges in providing sufficient backup power, especially in airbag ECUs, due to increasing energy demands and safety regulations, leading to the need for multiple capacitors which occupy space and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

The ECU design incorporates at least two capacitors with each having first and second electric lines, connected through reduced insulation displacement connectors, allowing for a compact and cost-effective arrangement by eliminating unnecessary connectors and towers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple capacitors are used to provide sufficient backup power, then the backup power ability is improved, but the device complexity and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup power abilityVSAvoidnumber of connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple insulation displacement connectors into a single integrated connector structure that can simultaneously connect multiple capacitors. This merging approach reduces the total number of connectors while maintaining the ability to provide sufficient backup power through multiple capacitors, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved reliability and reduced device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple capacitors are used to meet increasing energy demands, then the backup power capacity is improved, but the housing space occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup power capacityVSAvoidhousing space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple capacitor connections into a compact integrated connector assembly that allows multiple capacitors to be positioned closer together. This space-efficient design enables the housing to accommodate multiple capacitors for increased backup power capacity while minimizing the total space occupied through optimized spatial arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple capacitors and connectors are used, then the backup power ability is improved, but the production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup power abilityVSAvoidproduction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate connector components into a single integrated connector unit that can simultaneously establish electrical connections for multiple capacitors. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, procured, and assembled, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining the backup power ability provided by multiple capacitors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4319514B1Electronic control unit with a back-up power supply

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 VEONEER SWEDEN SAFETY SYST AB

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic control unit (1). A back-up power supply (4) for the electronic control unit (1) is defined by at least two capacitors (41, 42, ...4N). The at least two capacitors (41, 42, ...4N) are accommodated in a housing part (9) of the electronic control unit (1). A first insulation displacement connector (21) is positioned in a first tower (23), and a second insulation displacement connector (22) is positioned in a second tower (24). A first electric line (11) of each capacitor (41, 42, ...4N) is connected to the first insulation displacement connector (21), and a second electric line (12) is connected to the second insulation displacement connector (22).