Modular Vehicle Control Unit for Processor Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles face difficulties in upgrading their infotainment systems due to the need for increased processing power, which is challenging with older semiconductor devices, especially when new technologies are applied, requiring easier and more efficient upgrade solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular control device with a base frame and an upgrade frame, where the upgrade frame is detachably mounted to the base frame, featuring a second printed circuit board with a main processor and memory, and includes a checking circuit to validate the upgrade frame's operation, allowing for easy replacement and ensuring compatibility and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If new technologies with higher processing power are applied to vehicles, then the infotainment system performance is improved, but the device complexity and upgrade difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is divided into a base frame and a detachable upgrade frame. The base frame contains a first PCB with a base block providing vehicle interfaces, while the upgrade frame contains a second PCB with a main processor and memory. This segmentation allows the processing power to be upgraded by simply replacing the upgrade frame without affecting the base frame, thereby improving processing power while maintaining ease of upgrade.
2Productivity
If the infotainment system is upgraded with newer semiconductor devices, then the processing capability is improved, but the compatibility with existing vehicle interfaces becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a base block that handles vehicle interfaces and an upgrade block that provides enhanced processing. The base block remains in the base frame while the upgrade block is placed in the detachable upgrade frame, allowing interface compatibility to be maintained through the stable base block while processing capability is improved through the upgradeable second PCB.
Solution Approach 2:
The base frame is designed with universal mounting features including a plurality of pins configured to match the upgrade frame location, fasten hooks, and fasten holes. These universal features ensure that the upgrade frame can be consistently mounted and detached across different upgrade scenarios while maintaining compatibility with the base frame's interface structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control device is designed for easy upgrades, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control device into modular base frame and upgrade frame components, the manufacturing process can be simplified. Each module can be manufactured independently using standard PCB and mounting techniques, then assembled through straightforward attachment mechanisms. This segmentation improves upgradeability while avoiding the need for complex integrated manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The base frame acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's existing infrastructure and the upgradeable processing components. The standardized mounting features (pins, hooks, holes) serve as intermediary elements that facilitate easy attachment and detachment, improving upgradeability without requiring complex manufacturing for the connection mechanisms themselves.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If older semiconductor devices are used in vehicles, then the device durability is improved, but the processing power becomes insufficient for new technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented so that the base frame with older, more durable components remains in place while the upgrade frame with newer, higher-power semiconductor devices can be attached. This allows the vehicle to maintain durability through the proven base frame while gaining enhanced processing power through the upgradeable second PCB containing modern processors and memory.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular control device for a vehicle comprises: a base frame mounted on the vehicle; and an upgrade frame detachably mounted on the base frame. A first printed circuit board (PCB), on which a base block for providing an interface with devices in the vehicle is implemented, is mounted on the base frame. A second PCB having a memory and a main processor is mounted on the upgrade frame.