Electronic Control System Calibration Updates via Telematics Without Downtime

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for updating calibration data in vehicle control systems require bringing the equipment to a service center or dispatching personnel, leading to engine unavailability during the update process.

Innovation Solution

A system that utilizes telematics to remotely update calibration data by generating custom calibration data during an active or inactive engine state, allowing for seamless integration into the control system's memory without downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If calibration data is updated using traditional service center methods, then the calibration data can be updated, but the engine becomes unavailable during the update process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration data update capabilityVSAvoidengine unavailability time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by downloading and storing calibration data in a second memory portion before it is actually needed. The system proactively retrieves calibration data from remote servers during idle periods or when the engine is running, so that when an update is needed, the data is already prepared and ready for immediate installation, eliminating the need to take the engine offline for data retrieval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a telematics unit as an intermediary between the engine control system and remote servers. This telematics unit handles the communication and data transfer functions, allowing calibration data to be downloaded and managed without requiring direct intervention at the engine control unit, thereby enabling updates to occur in the background without impacting engine operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If service personnel are dispatched to update calibration data, then the calibration data can be updated, but operational disruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration data update capabilityVSAvoidoperational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the engine control system to automatically download, store, and install calibration data updates without requiring service personnel intervention. The system autonomously manages the entire update process through its integrated telematics unit, allowing calibration updates to occur during normal operation or idle periods, thereby eliminating operational disruptions caused by service visits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-downloading and preparing calibration data before service personnel would need to arrive. This proactive approach ensures that when an update is required, the data is already available locally, and the update can be executed automatically or with minimal intervention, preventing the need to schedule service appointments that would cause operational disruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If calibration data is loaded into the electronic control system during active engine state, then update time is reduced, but system stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration data loading timeVSAvoidcontrol system stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the memory system into at least two portions: a first memory portion used for active calibration data during engine operation, and a second memory portion used for storing downloaded but not yet installed calibration data. This segmentation allows the system to prepare updates in the second memory portion without affecting the stability of the first memory portion, enabling safe switching between calibration data sets without compromising system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4044025B1Updating electronic control system through telematics
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 CUMMINS INC
  • EP4044025B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4044025B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4044025B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

Systems and methods to update the calibration data of a control system includes a calibration system. The calibration system includes a first cloud connected application system structured to communicatively couple to a second cloud connected application system, determine, via at least one of the first cloud connected application system or the second cloud connected application system, a calibration update request corresponding to a control system, generate custom calibration data including preference data based on at least one of the calibration update request or the preference data, and provide the custom calibration data during at least one of an active engine state or an inactive engine state, wherein the custom calibration data is transmitted from the second memory portion to the first memory portion in response to the inactive engine state.