ECU Memory Board Segmentation for Vibration-Resilient Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic control units (ECUs) face challenges in high-vibration environments due to the limitations of non-volatile memory devices, particularly in chip package form factor, which are permanently soldered and difficult to remove, and module form factor, which experiences intermittent electrical connections from springy metal contacts, making them unsuitable for high-power or high-speed applications.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit design where the memory device is integrated with a main circuit board and an embedded circuit board, connected by conductive paths, with a predetermined separation line allowing for easy removal and access, featuring pads arranged in a pad array along the separation line for data read-out, and optional removal methods like grooves, breakaway tabs, or visual markings for precise separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If memory device in chip package form factor is permanently soldered to PCB, then vibration resistance is improved, but ease of removal and access is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the circuit board into two separate boards (first circuit board and second circuit board) connected by a separation line. This segmentation allows the memory device to remain firmly attached during operation for vibration resistance, while enabling easy separation for removal and access when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between permanent attachment and ease of removal.
2Ease of operation
If memory device in module form factor uses separable connector, then ease of removal and access is improved, but vibration resistance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is segmented into two separate boards connected by a separation line, allowing the system to achieve both firm attachment for vibration resistance during operation and easy separability for removal and access when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between connector ease of use and vibration resistance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If memory device chip package is removed and resoldered to another system, then adaptability is improved, but time consumption and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circuit board into two separate boards connected by a separation line, allowing the memory device to be easily separated and transferred to another system without complex desoldering and resoldering processes, thus improving adaptability while significantly reducing time consumption and cost.
4Ease of operation
If electro-mechanical connector is used for separable connection, then ease of removal and access is improved, but connection reliability in vibration is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a separation line to divide the circuit board into two separate boards, providing a clean separation interface that allows easy removal and access while maintaining stable electrical connections during operation without the need for springy metal contacts, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of removal and connection stability in vibration.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An electronic control unit comprises at least one controller and at least one memory device, wherein the controller comprises at least one electronic component mounted on a main circuit board. An embedded circuit board is formed in one piece with the main circuit board, and a predetermined separation line is provided for separating the embedded circuit board from the main circuit board.