Engine ECU Latch Flag for Starter Switch Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine automatic starting systems face delays in validation determination due to separate units for communication and execution, leading to potential premature shutdown of the starter switch, which prevents engine starting if the manual transient operation is terminated before validation is complete.
Innovation Solution
The engine ECU is designed with a starter-relay drive system that includes a latch flag to maintain the starter switch's on state even if manually turned off, ensuring stable engine starting by setting a flag when the switch is activated and using this flag to initiate engine start if validation is completed later.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If separate units (immobilizer and engine ECU) are used for communication and automatic starting operations, then the system can provide advanced automatic starting functionality, but the delay time from wireless communication start to validation determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the separate immobilizer unit and engine ECU into an integrated system where the engine ECU directly performs both wireless communication and validation determination. This eliminates the sequential processing delay caused by separate units communicating through an in-vehicle LAN, as the same control unit handles both functions simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If the starter switch is turned off before validation determination is completed, then the switch operation responds quickly to user input, but the engine cannot be automatically started even if validation is later determined to be proper
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation determination during the period when the starter switch is activated. The engine ECU continuously monitors validation status and prepares to automatically start the engine as soon as proper validation is confirmed, while the switch is still in the on state. This preliminary preparation ensures that if validation completes during the switch-on period, the engine can start immediately without requiring the switch to remain pressed.
3Reliability
If the engine ECU waits for validation determination before allowing engine start, then security is maintained, but the engine starting process is delayed or prevented if the starter switch is turned off during validation
Solution Approach 1:
The engine ECU continuously monitors the validation determination status and uses this feedback to control the starter motor activation. Once proper validation is confirmed during the switch-on period, the ECU receives feedback signal and immediately activates the starter motor. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains security validation requirements while enabling rapid engine starting response.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a system, a setting unit sets historical information in response to a manual transient operation. The manual transient operation triggers automatic start of the engine. The historical information represents that the manual transient operation has existed. A validation unit has a first identifier uniquely identifying the vehicle. The validation unit carries out validation communications, in at least one of direct and indirect procedures, with a communication device storing therein a second identifier of the vehicle. The communication device is used by a user of the vehicle. The validation communications use the first and second identifiers. The validation unit validates whether the user is certificated based on the validation communication result. An engine starting unit automatically starts the engine when the historical information has been set by the setting unit and when it is determined that the user of the vehicle is certificated.