Integrated controller and vehicle including the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated controllers with Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) in vehicles generate excessive heat, leading to potential temperature-related issues and reduced performance, necessitating effective heat dissipation solutions.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a heat dissipation fin structure on the printed circuit board, thermal grease for improved heat transfer, and a vehicle air conditioning system that adjusts airflow based on calculated heat capacity values to manage temperature, ensuring the integrated controller operates within optimal temperature ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high-performance application processor or field-programmable gate array chips are added to the integrated controller to enhance ADAS functionality, then the processing capability and sensor fusion performance are improved, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heat dissipation function as a separate structural component (heat dissipation fin structure) from the integrated controller housing. The fin structure protrudes from the housing and provides dedicated heat dissipation pathways, separating the high-power processing function from the thermal management function while maintaining integration within the controller assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thermal grease as an intermediary substance between the printed circuit board (containing high-power chips) and the heat dissipation fin structure. This thermal grease mediator enhances heat transfer from the heat-generating components to the dissipation structure, enabling efficient thermal management without compromising processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If the integrated controller is equipped with extensive heat dissipation structures, then heat dissipation performance is improved, but the controller becomes sensitive to external temperature variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation performanceVSAvoidexternal temperature sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heat dissipation fin structure with the protective housing into a unified integrated structure. The fin structure protrudes from the housing and works in conjunction with the air conditioning system, creating a combined thermal management system that simultaneously dissipates heat and protects against external temperature variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the air conditioning system receives temperature information from the integrated controller and adjusts airflow accordingly. The controller calculates heat capacity values and transmits them to the air conditioning system, which then modulates air flow through flow control valves to maintain optimal operating temperature, creating a closed-loop thermal management system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Temperature

If thermal grease is applied between the printed circuit board and housing to improve heat transfer, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but the complexity of assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies thermal grease locally at specific contact surfaces between the printed circuit board and the heat dissipation fin structure, rather than throughout the entire assembly. This localized application of thermal grease targets the critical heat transfer pathways while minimizing the complexity of the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively reduces heat generation and maintains the integrated controller's performance by ensuring it operates within stable temperature conditions, minimizing sensitivity to external temperatures and preventing overheating or underheating.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal grease provided on at least a part of a surface of the at least one printed circuit board and at least a part of a surface of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a housing of a heat dissipation fin structure positioned to surround the printed circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

The air conditioner is configured to transmit the air to the integrated controller by branching an air conditioning duct

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11564333B2Integrated controller and vehicle including the same

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A vehicle includes an integrated controller equipped with an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). An air conditioner is configured to introduce air into the inside of the vehicle and to adjust a flow of the air. The air conditioner is configured to transmit the air to the integrated controller by branching an air conditioning duct that is a passage for transmitting air into the inside of the vehicle.