Modular Vehicular ECU with Dynamic Program Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicular electronic control systems are complex and costly due to the need for multiple ECUs, each with excessive processing capability, and are not easily adaptable to different vehicle models, leading to increased development and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular electronic control apparatus comprising a mother unit with detachable ECU modules and an operation data communication section, allowing for alternative operation processing and data sharing between modules to optimize processing loads and reduce hardware redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ECUs are provided for different control functions, then required control functions can be met, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal ECU architecture where a single ECU can perform multiple control functions by dynamically loading different control programs. The ECU includes a microcomputer, memory for storing multiple control programs, and a program selection mechanism that allows switching between different control functions based on vehicle model requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated ECUs for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control system into a modular architecture where the ECU is divided into independent functional modules. Each control program is stored as a separate module in memory, allowing selective activation and combination of different control functions. This segmentation enables flexible configuration of control systems for different vehicle models while using a common hardware platform.
2Reliability
If each ECU is provided with excessive processing capability, then safety and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the safety backup functionality into the standard ECU architecture rather than providing separate backup ECUs. The ECU includes redundant processing capabilities and self-diagnosis functions integrated into the main control unit, allowing safety monitoring and backup operations to be performed by the same hardware that executes primary control functions, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU incorporates self-diagnosis and self-monitoring capabilities that allow it to detect its own failures and switch to backup control programs autonomously. The system includes internal monitoring mechanisms that can identify microcomputer failures and automatically activate alternative control routines without requiring external intervention or separate monitoring hardware, reducing system complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control system is configured exclusively for each vehicle model, then specific vehicle requirements are met, but development and manufacture costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic reconfiguration capability where the ECU can change its control function configuration at runtime based on the vehicle model. The system includes a program selection mechanism that allows the ECU to load and switch between different control programs stored in memory, enabling the same hardware platform to be adapted to different vehicle models without physical reconfiguration or dedicated hardware for each model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the control software to adapt the ECU to different vehicle models. By storing multiple control programs with different parameter sets and control logic in memory, the ECU can be reconfigured for specific vehicle models by loading the appropriate program, allowing a single hardware design to serve multiple vehicle models with different requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular electronic control apparatus includes a mother unit having a microcomputer, a plurality of ECU modules connected to the mother unit detachably and configured to execute respective vehicle controls, an operation data communication section for communicating with the microcomputer operation data used by the plurality of ECU modules in executing respective control operation processing, and alternative operation execution section for causing at least one of the other ECU modules and the microcomputer to execute, as an alternative operation, at least a part of the arithmetic operation processing, which is to be executed by at least one of the plurality of the ECU modules.