Automobile ECU Voltage Step-Up via Shared Inductive Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electronic control units in motor vehicles require additional components for voltage step-up devices, leading to increased size, cost, and electromagnetic interference, as well as unnecessary component activation during engine starting, which is not frequently solicited.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit with a shared control mechanism for an inductive load that operates both the voltage step-up device and a secondary device, such as a variable-geometry turbocharger actuator or gasoline tank draining system, allowing the inductive load to be activated only when necessary, thereby reducing the number of components and optimizing component usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a voltage step-up device is added to the electronic control unit, then the voltage can be temporarily raised when the battery voltage is low, but the number of components increases, increasing the dimensions of the printed circuit and electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage step-up device with another existing device within the electronic control unit by sharing the inductive load. This merging approach allows the same inductive component to serve dual purposes: voltage boosting when battery voltage is low and functioning as part of the second device during normal operation, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining voltage raising capability
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive load is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the inductive element for the voltage step-up device and as a component for the second device. This universal component performs different functions depending on the operational mode, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components and reducing overall device complexity
2Power
If a voltage step-up device is added to the electronic control unit, then the voltage can be temporarily raised, but the electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the voltage step-up device with another device and sharing the inductive load, the patent reduces the total number of electromagnetic-active components. This combination decreases the overall electromagnetic interference generated by the electronic control unit while preserving the necessary voltage boosting function
3Power
If the inductive load is activated during engine starting, then the voltage step-up device can operate, but this activation is unnecessary when the engine is already started and increases component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the inductive load activation based on real-time operational conditions. The control system monitors whether the engine is starting or already running, and accordingly activates or deactivates the inductive load for voltage boosting. This dynamic approach ensures the inductive load operates only when necessary during engine starting, avoiding unnecessary activation during normal operation and reducing component wear
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
This solution reduces the number of components by sharing inductive load control, lowering manufacturing costs, minimizing electromagnetic interference, and achieving miniaturization of the electronic control unit while maintaining essential functionality.
Implementation Method 1
When the switch is closed, the inductive load 120 is connected to the electric ground and said inductive load accumulates energy
Implementation Method 2
When the switch is open, the energy accumulated in the inductive load 120 is discharged to the capacitive load 123 through the diode 122
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control unit (3) for a motor vehicle includes a microcontroller (30) which controls the operation of an engine of the motor vehicle, a regulator (31) of a voltage delivered to the microcontroller (30) by an electric power source (2), and a voltage step-up device (32) including control elements (321) suitable for activating at least one inductive load (320) coupled to the power source (2), an activation which consists of successive energy accumulations and discharges by the at least one inductive load. The at least one inductive load (320) is shared with at least one second device (4) that is internal or external to the electronic control unit (3), a second device whose operation is controlled by the electronic control unit. A method for controlling at least one inductive load (320) coupled to an electric power source (2) of a motor vehicle is also described.