Hinged ECU Mounting Structure for Service Access in Tight Engine Bays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to mount an electronic control unit (ECU) in a vehicle's engine compartment that is not directly exposed to elements, has adequate airflow to prevent overheating, is reasonably accessible for servicing, and is protected in the event of a crash, while dealing with limited space in hybrid electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The ECU is designed with a hinging mechanism comprising a lower and upper bracket, allowing it to pivot between closed and opened positions, enabling easy access for servicing and mounting over components like a power distribution center, with features like latching and hinging mechanisms for secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ECU is mounted in a fixed position within the engine compartment, then the ECU is protected from elements and has adequate airflow, but the ECU is difficult to access for servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU mounting structure transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic hinged configuration that allows the ECU to pivot between a closed protected position and an opened accessible position. The hinge mechanism enables the upper bracket to rotate relative to the lower bracket, providing ease of access for servicing while maintaining protection during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is divided into separate components: a lower bracket that remains fixed to the vehicle and an upper bracket that can pivot independently. This segmentation allows the upper bracket with the ECU to be accessed by opening while the lower bracket remains stationary, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and structural simplicity.
2Volume of moving object
If the ECU is mounted in a compact location to optimize space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility for servicing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged mounting structure allows the ECU to be positioned in a compact location during normal operation to optimize space utilization, while enabling the upper bracket to pivot open during servicing to provide adequate access. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between compact mounting and ease of repair.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the ECU is mounted in a protected location away from elements, then protection from elements is improved, but accessibility for servicing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU mounting structure uses a hinged mechanism that allows the ECU to remain in a protected closed position during normal operation while enabling easy access by pivoting the upper bracket open. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between protection from elements and accessibility for servicing.
4Temperature
If the ECU is mounted in a location with adequate airflow to prevent overheating, then thermal management is improved, but accessibility for servicing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged mounting structure allows the ECU to be positioned in a location with adequate airflow for thermal management while enabling the upper bracket to pivot open during servicing to provide access. This resolves the contradiction between thermal management requirements and ease of repair.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control unit (ECU) for a vehicle, such as an engine control module (ECM), with a hinged design that can be conveniently mounted in an engine compartment where space is limited. The ECU generally includes a lower bracket with mounting and hinging features, an upper bracket with attachment and hinging features, and an electronic module with attachment features. The mounting features of the lower bracket enable the lower bracket to be stationarily mounted or attached within the engine compartment. The hinging features of the lower and upper brackets engage one another so that the upper bracket can hinge, with respect to the lower bracket, thereby pivoting the ECU between closed and opened positions. The attachment features of the upper bracket and electronic module engage one another so that the electronic module is attached to the upper bracket. A method of using the ECU is also disclosed.