Multi-ECU Vehicle Simulator for Emissions Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle simulators for emissions testing are limited in simulating multiple Engine Control Units (ECUs) and have a restricted number of preprogrammed pass/fail scenarios, making them inadequate for complex modern vehicles and difficult to modify in the field.
Innovation Solution
A simulator device with a computing device and database that can simulate multiple ECUs, Parameter IDs (PIDs), and corresponding response codes, allowing for independent selection and adjustment of scenarios, including the ability to mimic non-existent PIDs and adjust response delays, to fully test emissions inspection tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current vehicle simulators are used for emissions testing, then the inspection tool can be tested with preprogrammed scenarios, but the simulator cannot adequately simulate complex modern vehicles with multiple ECUs and has limited modifiability
Solution Approach 1:
The simulator device is designed to simulate multiple ECUs simultaneously, with each ECU capable of responding to various PIDs. The system can configure different ECU types (engine, transmission, suspension, etc.) and simulate both present and absent PIDs, making it universally applicable to complex modern vehicles with multiple control units.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulator allows dynamic configuration of ECU responses through a database that stores multiple vehicle profiles. Users can modify pass/fail scenarios, adjust response codes, and change PID availability in real-time during testing, enabling flexible adaptation to different testing requirements without reprogramming the entire system.
2Ease of manufacture
If the simulator uses preprogrammed pass/fail scenarios, then the inspection tool can be tested with standardized scenarios, but the scenarios are difficult or impossible to modify in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The simulator includes a database pre-loaded with multiple vehicle profiles and pass/fail scenarios that are prepared in advance. This preliminary configuration provides standardized testing scenarios while maintaining the ability to modify them later through the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static preprogrammed scenarios to dynamic configurable scenarios. Users can modify ECU response codes, adjust PID availability, and change pass/fail conditions through the user interface, allowing field modifications without requiring system reprogramming or specialized tools.
3Device complexity
If the simulator simulates only one ECU, then the device complexity is reduced, but it cannot test inspection tools against complex modern vehicles with multiple ECUs
Solution Approach 1:
The simulator divides the vehicle control system into separate ECU segments (engine ECU, transmission ECU, suspension ECU, etc.), with each ECU independently configurable. This segmentation allows the system to simulate multiple ECUs simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulator merges multiple ECU simulation capabilities into a single integrated device. The system combines the functionality of simulating engine, transmission, suspension, and other vehicle systems in one unit, enabling comprehensive testing of inspection tools against modern multi-ECU vehicles.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a simulator device having a computing device having a computer processor and a computer readable medium. The simulator device further includes a communication port configured for communicating with an emissions inspection tool. The simulator device also has a database associated with the computing device and including multiple vehicle profiles, wherein individual ones of the multiple vehicle profiles include a plurality of Engine Control Units (ECUs), and wherein individual ones of the plurality of ECUs are configured to simulate a plurality of Parameter IDs (PIDs) and corresponding response codes. The individual ones of the multiple vehicle profiles are independently selectable for providing at least one PID response code to the vehicle inspection tool. The computing device is configured to perform a vehicle simulation for auditing a vehicle inspection tool.