Lamp ECU Mode Switching for Multi-Interface Auxiliary Lamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobile manufacturers face the challenge of designing a unique lamp electronic control unit (ECU) for each specification of cornering lamps, leading to increased costs and complexity due to different interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A lamp ECU that includes a connector with a power supply pin, a communication pin, and an output pin, along with a power supply circuit and controllers to switch between modes based on the interface of the additional lamp, allowing it to control lamps with different interfaces by integrating two pins into one output pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate lamp ECU is designed for each cornering lamp specification, then the lamp ECU can be optimized for specific interface requirements, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The output pin is designed to serve multiple functions by switching between two modes: first mode where the power supply circuit outputs power supply voltage to drive the additional lamp directly, and second mode where the output interface circuit outputs control signals to drive the additional lamp. This multi-functionality allows a single lamp ECU design to support different cornering lamp specifications and interfaces, eliminating the need for separate ECUs for each specification.
Solution Approach 2:
The lamp ECU dynamically switches between two operational modes based on the detected interface type of the additional lamp. The controller determines whether to operate in first mode (power supply output) or second mode (control signal output) based on interface compatibility requirements, allowing the system to adapt its behavior dynamically rather than being fixed to a single interface type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different lamp ECUs are produced for different specifications, then each ECU can be optimized for its specific application, but the manufacturing cost and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By designing the output pin to perform multiple functions through mode switching, the patent enables a single standardized lamp ECU design to cover multiple cornering lamp specifications. This universality simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need to produce and manage multiple different ECU variants, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining specification coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate ECUs into a single unified lamp ECU design. By combining the power supply output function and the control signal output function within one device, the system achieves specification coverage that previously required multiple separate units, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
3Device complexity
If the output pin is integrated to support multiple interfaces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of controlling different lamp types may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic mode switching mechanism ensures that the lamp ECU operates in the appropriate mode (first mode or second mode) based on the detected interface type of the additional lamp. This dynamic adaptation maintains control reliability by selecting the correct operational configuration for each specific lamp type, preventing mismatches or improper control while still using a unified hardware structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that detects the interface type of the additional lamp and determines the appropriate mode of operation. This intermediary function ensures reliable control by mediating between the unified output pin structure and the specific requirements of different lamp types, selecting the correct operational mode to maintain control reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A lamp ECU can control an additional lamp. A connector includes a power supply pin that receives battery voltage ECUB from a vehicle, a communication pin connected to a vehicle bus, and an output pin to be connected to an additional lamp. An output node of a power supply circuit is connected to the output pin and outputs power supply voltage from the output node in an enabled state. In a first mode, a first controller controls the enabled and disabled states of the power supply circuit according to a turn-on/off instruction for the additional lamp received via the vehicle bus. In a second mode, a second controller controls an output interface circuit according to the turn-on/off instruction.