Temporary ECU Reprogramming via Secondary Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aftermarket devices often permanently modify engine control units, compromising factory engine performance settings, and there is a need for a method to temporarily modify engine performance without altering the original settings.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a processor and memory that communicates with the engine control unit to detect ignition, authenticate, and provide a substitute command set temporarily, allowing modification of engine operations while preserving the original settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aftermarket devices permanently overwrite the factory software in an engine control unit, then engine performance can be modified, but the original factory settings are lost and cannot be restored
Solution Approach 1:
The device creates a copy of the original factory ECU software image and stores it in the electronic device's memory. This allows the original settings to be preserved and restored later, resolving the contradiction between modifying engine performance and preserving original factory settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of ECU software from permanent to temporary by implementing a switching mechanism. The ECU can alternate between factory software and modified software, allowing performance parameters to be changed temporarily while maintaining the ability to restore original settings.
2Ease of operation
If the ECU is permanently re-flashed with modified software, then desired engine performance changes are achieved, but the modification cannot be reversed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by saving the original ECU software image before any modification is applied. This pre-saved copy enables easy restoration to the original state, resolving the contradiction between ease of customization and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device acts as an intermediary between the ECU and the modification process. It holds the original software image and can restore it to the ECU, serving as a mediator that enables both customization and restoration without requiring complex repair procedures.
3Loss of energy
If factory settings are optimized for fuel efficiency, then fuel consumption is reduced, but engine performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic switching between different ECU software versions. Drivers can switch between fuel-efficient factory settings and performance-optimized modified settings based on their immediate needs, resolving the contradiction between fuel efficiency and engine performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables periodic switching between fuel efficiency mode and performance mode. This allows the engine to operate in different optimization states at different times, accommodating both fuel efficiency requirements and performance demands throughout the vehicle's operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary controller for controlling the performance of an automobile is described. The secondary controller can be configured to temporarily reprogram one or more vehicle controllers, such as the engine control unit, after the automobile has been powered on. The secondary controller can substitute command sets with different command sets by rewriting the corresponding portion of RAM. The secondary controller can receive vehicle information from the engine control unit to determine the particular type of vehicle to locate the particular command in RAM in order to rewrite the command set. In one embodiment, the secondary controller communicates with the vehicle controller via the vehicle's diagnostic port, such as an OBD-II port. In another embodiment, the secondary controller can be configured to control a variable displacement engine in a vehicle to command the vehicle to operate using all available cylinders.