Movable ECU Locking Interface for Dynamic Event Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical systems are not robust enough to efficiently handle dynamic events and do not provide sufficient functionality for safe operation during such events.
Innovation Solution
An electrical system with a movable component that includes a first electronic control unit (ECU) and an electromechanical interface for locking with a mounting surface, a second ECU for communication and dynamic event detection, and a third ECU for providing disable information to the movable component, enabling it to lock and prepare for dynamic events by activating safety devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electrical system uses a simple connection structure for the movable component, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability during dynamic events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical interface performs preliminary locking action before dynamic events occur. The system detects potential dynamic events and pre-locks the movable component to the mounting surface, ensuring the component is securely fixed before any harmful movement can occur during the dynamic event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical connections with an electromechanical interface that combines electrical control signals with mechanical locking action. This substitution enables the system to respond dynamically to detected events while maintaining secure mechanical engagement, thus improving reliability without compromising ease of operation through automated control.
2Reliability
If the electrical system adds multiple ECUs and sensors for dynamic event detection, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control functions across multiple ECUs, with each ECU responsible for specific tasks such as sensor data processing, locking control, or safety device activation. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be distributed and managed more efficiently, reducing the complexity burden on any single control unit while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromechanical interface serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical locking connection, transmits control signals from ECUs, and potentially monitors the locked state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive dynamic event handling capability.
3Reliability
If the movable component locks immediately upon detection of dynamic event, then the safety is improved, but the loss of time for normal operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from sensors and ECUs to monitor the vehicle environment continuously. Locking is triggered only when sensor data indicates an actual dynamic event is occurring or imminent, rather than locking continuously or at fixed time intervals. This feedback-based approach ensures safety during genuine events while minimizing unnecessary locking that would cause operational downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical system includes a movable component configured for selective connection with and selective removal from a mounting surface. The movable component may include a first electronic control unit (ECU), and an electromechanical interface configured for selectively locking the movable component with said mounting surface. The electrical system may include a second ECU configured to communicate with the first ECU, and/or a third ECU configured to detect a potential dynamic event via one or more sensors. The third ECU may be configured to provide dynamic event information to the second ECU. The second ECU may be configured to provide disable information corresponding to the dynamic event information to the movable component. The first ECU may be configured to lock the movable component with the mounting surface according to the disable information.