ECU Mounting State Detection via Damper Velocity Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Abnormal mounting of the electronic control unit (ECU) in an electronic controlled suspension (ECS) system can lead to errors in calculating damper velocities due to abnormal sensing values, resulting in suboptimal suspension control and potential vehicle instability.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that include a signal processor, integrator, comparator, and index output unit to determine the mounting state of the ECU by calculating and comparing the integral of damper velocity with actual damper stroke, outputting a normal or abnormal mounting index, and triggering a failsafe mode if abnormal, using wheel and vertical acceleration sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ECU is mounted abnormally, then the sensing values from the vertical acceleration sensor become abnormal, but the system continues to operate without detection, leading to calculation errors in damper velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by comparing the integral of calculated damper velocity with the actual damper stroke to detect mounting abnormalities. The comparator continuously monitors the discrepancy between calculated and actual values, and when the integral of damper velocity exceeds the actual stroke threshold, it indicates abnormal mounting, triggering a failsafe mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by using its own operational data (damper velocity calculations from vertical acceleration sensor) to detect mounting abnormalities. The ECU monitors itself by comparing its calculated values against expected physical constraints (actual damper stroke), enabling autonomous detection without external intervention.
2Reliability
If the system operates without mounting state detection, then the device complexity remains low, but calculation errors in damper velocity lead to suboptimal suspension control
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of mounting abnormalities by continuously comparing the integral of damper velocity with actual damper stroke before critical failures occur. This preliminary action allows the system to identify mounting issues early and transition to failsafe mode, preventing suboptimal suspension control and potential vehicle instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies a conservative threshold where the integral of damper velocity is compared against actual damper stroke. When the calculated value exceeds the actual value (excessive action), it triggers failsafe mode. This partial monitoring approach focuses on the critical relationship between velocity integration and physical stroke limits, providing reliable detection without requiring comprehensive monitoring of all system parameters.
3Measurement precision
If the integral of damper velocity is continuously monitored and compared with actual stroke, then mounting abnormalities are detected accurately, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous monitoring of the relationship between integrated damper velocity and actual damper stroke through the comparator. This continuous useful action ensures that mounting abnormalities are detected promptly without interruption, maintaining measurement precision while operating efficiently within the control cycle.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively determines the normal or abnormal mounting state of the ECU, ensuring proper suspension control and vehicle stability by entering a failsafe mode when abnormal mounting is detected, thereby preventing potential vehicle instability.
Implementation Method 1
an integrator calculating an integral of the damper velocity by integrating the damper velocity of each of the dampers received by the signal processor per unit time
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for determining a mounting state of an electronic control unit (ECU) of an electronic controlled suspension (ECS) system can determine either a normal mounting state or a mounting failure of the ECU of the ECS system. The apparatus for determining the mounting state of the ECU includes: a signal processor receiving a damper velocity of each damper; an integrator calculating an integral of the damper velocity by integrating the damper velocity of each damper received by the signal processor per unit time; a comparator comparing the integral of the damper velocity calculated by the integrator with an actual stroke of each damper; and an index output unit outputting a mounting state of the ECU in the form of an index according to comparison results of the comparator.