Modular Zone ECU Power Substrates for Mixed Vehicle Specifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication systems for vehicle electrical equipment require separate zone ECUs for different vehicle specifications, leading to increased costs due to the need for customized harnesses and power supply circuits, which cannot be adequately reduced by making harnesses common.
Innovation Solution
A control device comprising a standard substrate with input/output circuits and a power supply substrate with a connection portion and power supply circuit, where multiple types of power supply substrates with different circuits are provided to match the vehicle's specifications, allowing selection and connection based on the electrical equipment's power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate zone ECUs are designed for each vehicle specification, then the electrical equipment can be controlled according to specific vehicle configurations, but the cost increases due to customized harnesses and power supply circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The zone ECU is divided into three independent modules: a standard substrate handling standard electrical equipment, a power supply substrate providing power to the extension substrate, and an extension substrate for extension electrical equipment. This segmentation allows each module to be independently configured and selected based on vehicle specifications, reducing the need for completely customized designs for each specification.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard substrate and power supply substrate serve as universal components that can be used across different vehicle specifications. The standard substrate handles common electrical equipment, while the power supply substrate provides power conversion capabilities. By making these substrates universal and selectable rather than specification-specific, the system achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If harnesses are made common across different specifications, then cost is reduced, but power supply circuits still require customization for different battery types
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is segmented into a separate power supply substrate that can be independently selected and configured. This substrate contains the necessary power conversion circuits to handle different battery types (48V, 12V, or both), allowing the harness to remain common while the power supply substrate is customized based on the specific vehicle's battery configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply substrate provides localized power conversion functionality tailored to the specific battery configuration of each vehicle. By concentrating the power conversion capability in this dedicated substrate with appropriate connection portions, the system maintains common harnesses across specifications while adapting the power supply characteristics locally to match different battery types.
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 approach enables the use of common substrates across various vehicle specifications, reducing component counts and management costs, while allowing for efficient power supply and control of both standard and extension electrical equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply circuit configured to generate electric power for operating the standard substrate from electric power supplied from the power supply line
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a standard substrate on which a first input/output circuit and a control circuit configured to control the first input/output circuit are mounted, and a power supply substrate on which a connection portion and a power supply circuit are mounted. The first input/output circuit is at least one of an input circuit or an output circuit for a standard electrical equipment. The connection portion is configured to be connected to a power supply line for supplying electric power. The power supply circuit is configured to generate electric power for operating the standard substrate from the electric power supplied from the power supply line.