Modular ECU Housing With External Modules and EMC Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic control units in motor vehicles lack modular expandability, which limits flexibility and can compromise electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and thermal performance when additional systems are integrated, and often voids warranties if modifications are made post-production.
Innovation Solution
A modularly expandable electronic control unit design featuring a conductor track on the electronic circuit board with module connection ports in the outer region, allowing for external module connection without disassembling the housing, with encircling shielding walls for EMC protection and accessible receptacles for module integration, enabling flexible expansion without compromising existing shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional modules are integrated using board-to-board plug connectors in the same housing, then functionality is expanded, but electromagnetic compatibility and thermal performance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control unit into a main module housed in a sealed housing and separate additional modules that can be connected externally. This segmentation allows the main module to maintain its electromagnetic compatibility and thermal performance while still enabling functionality expansion through external connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the additional modules from the main housing and provides external connection interfaces on the housing. This allows modules to be connected or disconnected without opening the main housing, preserving the sealed environment and electromagnetic shielding of the main module while enabling functionality expansion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional modules are integrated using board-to-board plug connectors, then functionality is expanded, but the control unit warranty cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides external connection interfaces that are pre-designed and pre-tested by the manufacturer. These interfaces allow users to connect additional modules after purchase without voiding the warranty, as the connection capability was built into the original design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the housing is opened to add modules, then flexibility is improved, but protection against environmental influences is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the main sealed housing from the module connection interfaces. The main housing remains closed and protected, while external connection ports allow module addition without opening the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses connection interfaces that extend through the housing wall with appropriate sealing. These interfaces act as intermediaries that allow electrical and mechanical connection of additional modules while maintaining the protective seal of the housing against moisture and dust.
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 design ensures EMC-tight shielding and thermal performance, allowing for flexible module integration without affecting the main module's behavior, maintaining warranty validity and enhancing the control unit's functionality and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a conductor track (18) is disposed on at least one side in the region of the lateral edges of the electronic circuit board (12), which conductor track encloses a first, inner region (14) of the side and separates the latter from an outer region (16) of the side
Implementation Method 2
At least one half of the housing (24, 26) has an encircling, at least partially electrically conductive shielding wall (28, 30)
Data Source
AI summary
A modularly expandable electronic control unit comprises: an electronic circuit board on which a conductor track is disposed on a side in a region of lateral edges and enclosing an inner region and separating it from an outer region of the side, a housing having two halves for receiving the electronic circuit board. With the housing assembled, at least one housing half has an encircling electrically conductive shielding wall which rests on and establishes electrical contact with the conductor track and/or has at least one receptacle accessible from outside the assembled housing. The receptacle is disposed so the electronic module placed in the receptacle may be electrically connected to a module connection port disposed in the outer region of the electronic circuit board. The electronic circuit board has electrical connections between the module connection port and one or more electronic assemblies disposed on the inner region.