Modular Zone ECU I/O Architecture for Model-Specific Vehicle Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control units require significant development man-hours to design inputs and outputs for each car model and specification due to the increasing number of terminals, necessitating a more efficient method for changing input and output functions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control unit with a separable input and output module that can be easily replaced or modified to accommodate different vehicle models and specifications, featuring a circuit board with processor and power supply circuitry, and a power distribution system that allows for flexible input and output configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of terminals increases to accommodate more functions, then the functionality of the vehicle control unit is improved, but the development time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle control unit into separate functional modules: a base module containing common functions and a terminal module containing configurable input/output terminals. This segmentation allows the terminal module to be independently designed and swapped for different vehicle models, reducing overall development time while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The base module is designed with universal functionality that can serve multiple vehicle models and specifications. By making the base module universal and only varying the terminal module, the patent reduces redundant development work and accelerates the development process for different vehicle configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of terminals increases to accommodate more functions, then the functionality of the vehicle control unit is improved, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control unit into a fixed base module and a configurable terminal module, the patent isolates complexity to only the terminal module. This allows designers to work with simplified, standardized base module designs while only needing to configure different terminal modules for various functions, thereby reducing overall design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal module is designed to be nested with or integrated into the base module, allowing for modular assembly. This nesting approach enables complex terminal configurations to be built upon a simple, standardized base structure, reducing the cognitive load and complexity of overall system design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom input and output designs are created for each vehicle model, then the adaptability to specific specifications is improved, but the development effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the design into a universal base module and model-specific terminal modules. This allows manufacturers to reuse the standardized base module across multiple vehicle models, reducing development effort and cost, while still achieving model-specific adaptability through interchangeable terminal modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The base module is designed and standardized in advance before specific vehicle model requirements are finalized. This preliminary action creates a reusable foundation that reduces subsequent development effort for each new vehicle model, as only the terminal module needs to be adapted rather than redesigning the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A zone ECU, which is a vehicle control unit, includes a circuit board, an input and output module, and a power distribution circuit. The circuit board has a microcomputer including a CPU which is a processor, and power supply circuits. The input and output module that provides an input and output function is provided separately from the circuit board and has a plurality of board connection terminals and a plurality of external connection terminals that are electrically connected to an external device. The board connection terminal is electrically connected to the circuit board.