Layered ECU Chassis Mounting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in arranging electronic control units (ECUs) in vehicle chassis is due to limited space, varying sizes and shapes of ECU casing members, and the need for a system that can withstand harsh environments, as existing solutions are not suitable for trucks and do not provide a firm connection to the chassis.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a layered structure of ECU casing members with frame structures extending in a plane, end plates for connection to the chassis, and connection members to hold the structure together, allowing for standardization of casing member sizes and easy replacement of ECUs, while protecting circuit boards from environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ECUs are arranged in a layered structure along a wall as disclosed in WO 2008/034538, then the system allows adaptation by adding or removing ECUs, but the system requires a rather long section along the chassis and is not suitable for truck chassis mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer linear arrangement along the chassis length to a multi-layer stacked arrangement. By utilizing the vertical dimension and arranging ECUs in multiple layers that can be stacked vertically, the system achieves the same adaptability while significantly reducing the longitudinal space required on the chassis.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized casing members with uniform dimensions and mounting interfaces serve multiple functions: they provide structural housing for ECUs, enable vertical stacking across multiple layers, facilitate adaptation through addition/removal of individual units, and allow mounting to various chassis positions. This universal design resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable without requiring excessive length.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ECUs with various shapes and dimensions are used, then different vehicle requirements can be met, but packaging becomes challenging due to limited space and variety of sizes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using ECUs with various shapes and dimensions to meet different vehicle requirements, the patent employs standardized casing members with uniform local qualities (dimensions, mounting interfaces, layer thickness). The adaptability is achieved not through varying ECU geometries but through the modular assembly of standardized units in different quantities and configurations, thereby simplifying packaging while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of ECU casing dimensions from variable (conventional approach) to fixed/standardized. By establishing uniform dimensions for all casing members, the system simplifies packaging and stacking arrangements. The ability to meet different vehicle requirements is maintained through parameter changes in the number of ECUs per layer and the number of layers, rather than through dimensional variations of individual ECUs.
3Ease of manufacture
If circuit boards are arranged perpendicular to the layer plane as in WO 2008/034538, then ECUs can be mounted, but the thickness of the layer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing circuit boards parallel to the layer plane instead of perpendicular to it. This inversion allows ECUs to be mounted on the circuit boards while keeping the layer thickness minimal, as the circuit boards lie flat within the layer rather than extending vertically outward.
4Ease of operation
If ECUs are mounted directly to the chassis without a structured system, then installation is simple, but the system cannot withstand the rough environment of a truck chassis (dirt, water, etc.)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling complete layered structures with ECUs, circuit boards, and casing members before mounting to the chassis. The casing members are designed with integrated mounting features that enable direct attachment to the chassis as a complete unit, thereby simplifying installation while providing built-in environmental protection from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing members serve as protective enclosures that shield the ECUs and circuit boards from environmental factors such as dirt and water. These casing structures provide a physical barrier while maintaining a compact form factor that integrates seamlessly into the layered arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for arranging electronic control units (ECUs) in a chassis of a vehicle. The system comprises a set of ECUs arranged on corresponding circuit boards that are arranged in corresponding casing members. Each casing member comprises a frame structure extending circumferentially in a plane substantially parallel to its corresponding layer. Each circuit board extends in a plane substantially parallel to its corresponding layer and is arranged inside the frame structure of the corresponding casing member. First and second end plates are arranged at opposite end portions of the layered structure. The first end plate is adapted to be connected to the chassis of the vehicle, and at least one connection member extends along the layered structure between opposite end portions thereof. The at least one connection member is configured to be connected to the first and second end plates to hold the layered structure together.