Automotive ECU Wired Voltage Signaling for Power Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automotive electrical systems with distributed electronic control units, there is a challenge in efficiently managing power flow to components when communication loss or vehicle deactivation occurs, as existing systems may fail to promptly reduce or preclude power to prevent unnecessary energy consumption and potential system malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The system includes at least one electronic control unit that changes the voltage level on wiring to reduce or preclude power flow to corresponding electrically powered components upon indication of communication loss or vehicle deactivation, using circuitry connected with the wiring and microprocessors to generate outputs that adjust the voltage, such as from a low state to a high state indicating loss of communication or deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power flow continues to electrically powered components during communication loss or vehicle deactivation, then components remain operational, but unnecessary energy consumption occurs and system malfunctions may arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by monitoring communication status between electronic control units and vehicle deactivation signals. When communication is lost or deactivation is detected, the system feeds back this status information to trigger voltage level changes on the wiring, which automatically reduces or precludes power flow to connected components, thereby preventing energy waste while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing electronic control units to autonomously detect communication loss or deactivation conditions and automatically adjust power flow to connected components without requiring external intervention. The circuitry monitors itself and responds independently by changing voltage levels to prevent energy consumption and system malfunctions
2Loss of energy
If voltage level changes are implemented to reduce power flow, then energy consumption is reduced, but additional circuitry and control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by using the existing wiring infrastructure for multiple purposes: it serves as both the communication medium for control signals and the power distribution pathway. By changing voltage levels on the same wiring that carries control signals, the system achieves power flow control without adding separate dedicated control lines, thereby reducing overall system complexity while still enabling energy conservation
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 ensures efficient power management by reducing or precluding power flow to electrically powered components, thereby conserving energy and preventing potential system malfunctions due to communication loss or vehicle deactivation, enhancing the overall operational efficiency and reliability of the automotive electrical system.
Implementation Method 1
changes a voltage level on the wiring such that the other of the electronic control units reduce or preclude power flow
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive electronic control unit, responsive to indication of loss of communication with other automotive electronic control units, changes a voltage level on wiring interconnecting the automotive electronic control units such that the other of the automotive electronic control units reduce or preclude power flow to corresponding electrically powered components electrically connected with the other of the automotive electronic control units.