Vehicle Joint Connector With Integrated ECU Data Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint connectors for vehicles do not effectively manage relay control of data between in-vehicle ECUs, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of wire harness routing as vehicle functionality increases.
Innovation Solution
A joint connector with a relay unit that performs data relay based on information from in-vehicle ECUs or sensors, incorporating a CAN gateway and layer 2 Ethernet switch, and featuring power-communication shared terminals and anomaly detection and security determination units, to enhance data routing and communication protocol flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a joint connector is used to connect multiple wire harnesses, then the number of connection points is reduced and installation is simplified, but relay control of data between in-vehicle ECUs cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the joint connector function (connecting multiple wire harnesses) with the relay control function (data routing between ECUs) into a single integrated device. The relay unit is built into the joint connector housing, allowing both mechanical connection and data relay operations to be performed by one component, thereby resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and relay control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint connector is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a physical connector for joining wire harnesses and as a relay control device for managing data flow between ECUs. This multi-functionality allows the single device to replace what would traditionally require separate components, maintaining installation simplicity while adding relay control versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of in-vehicle ECUs is increased to enhance vehicle functionality, then the amount of data transmission increases, but the existing joint connector cannot perform relay control of the increased data flow
Solution Approach 1:
The relay unit acts as an intermediary device between multiple ECUs, managing and routing data traffic. Instead of requiring direct connections and complex routing between all ECUs, the relay unit mediates data flow, simplifying the overall system complexity while supporting increased vehicle functionality through multiple ECUs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new functional dimension to the joint connector by incorporating the relay unit. This transforms the device from a simple mechanical connector into an intelligent data management node, enabling it to handle complex data routing requirements arising from increased ECU functionality without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wire harnesses are routed to multiple ECUs throughout the vehicle, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but cable routing becomes complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The relay unit segments and organizes data traffic from multiple wire harnesses into managed communication channels. By providing a centralized point for data routing, it reduces the complexity of cable routing while maintaining comprehensive ECU coverage, as the relay unit intelligently directs data packets to their destinations without requiring complex physical cable arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint connector configured to have a plurality of wire harnesses connected thereto and join the plurality of wire harnesses, the joint connector including a sub-connector configured to have connectors of the plurality of wire harnesses inserted therein, a housing inside which the sub-connector is provided, a plurality of joint terminals arranged in parallel with each other in a protruding state within the housing and respectively connected to the connectors of the plurality of wire harnesses, and a relay unit provided in the housing and connected to the plurality of joint terminals, the relay unit being configured to, based on information included in data transmitted from an in-vehicle ECU or in-vehicle sensor connected to the plurality of wire harnesses, perform relay control of the data between the plurality of joint terminals.