Programmable Arrays for Vehicle Propulsion Software Adaptation

Solution Overview

Problem

The development of custom control software for various propulsion system configurations in hybrid, electric, and fuel cell vehicles is time-consuming and resource-intensive, as each configuration requires separate software development, leading to increased burdens on manufacturers as new architectures emerge.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of generic control software with programmable arrays that can be configured to operate with multiple propulsion system architectures, allowing for customization without the need for recompilation, by inputting specific configuration information into programmable arrays to generate custom control software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If custom control software is developed for each propulsion system configuration, then the software can be precisely tailored to specific hardware architectures, but the development time and resources increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware compatibility with different propulsion configurationsVSAvoidsoftware development time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control software platform that can operate across multiple propulsion system configurations. The system uses a configuration database and parameter files to adapt the same core software to different hardware setups, eliminating the need to develop separate software for each configuration while maintaining precise control tailored to specific hardware architectures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes software behavior by modifying parameters and configuration data rather than altering the core code. By using parameter files that define hardware-specific characteristics, the same control software can be adapted to different propulsion configurations through parameter changes alone, dramatically reducing development time while maintaining configuration-specific precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom control software is developed for each propulsion system configuration, then the software can be precisely tailored to specific hardware architectures, but the resource expenditure increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware compatibility with different propulsion configurationsVSAvoidsoftware development resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control software platform that can operate across multiple propulsion system configurations. The system uses a configuration database and parameter files to adapt the same core software to different hardware setups, eliminating the need to develop separate software for each configuration while maintaining precise control tailored to specific hardware architectures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates customized control software for different configurations by copying and adapting a single master software platform. Instead of developing unique software from scratch for each propulsion configuration, the system copies the base software and modifies it through parameter files and configuration databases, substantially reducing the resources required for software development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If control software is re-written and re-compiled for different propulsion system architectures, then the software can accommodate new configurations, but the development process becomes increasingly burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware applicability to new propulsion architecturesVSAvoidsoftware development process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes software behavior by modifying parameters and configuration data rather than altering the core code. By using parameter files that define hardware-specific characteristics, the same control software can be adapted to different propulsion configurations through parameter changes alone, dramatically reducing development time while maintaining configuration-specific precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a configuration database and parameter file system that prepares all necessary adaptation data in advance. By pre-defining hardware characteristics and control parameters in structured formats, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming code rewriting and recompilation when new propulsion configurations are introduced, significantly simplifying the development process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9104443B2Control software with programmable arrays that are configurable for vehicles having different propulsion system configurations

Publication Date: 2015.08.11 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A method is provided for creating custom control software for a particular propulsion system configuration. Generic control software is provided that is configurable for use with a plurality of different propulsion system configurations. The generic control software is generically designed to control each of the different propulsion systems regardless of their different propulsion system configurations. The generic control software comprises a plurality of programmable arrays (or configuration tables). Information that characterizes a particular propulsion system configuration of the plurality of different propulsion system configurations is input into the programmable arrays to configure the generic control software into custom control software that is customized for use and designed to operate with the particular propulsion system configuration. The generic control software is configured into the custom control software that is applicable to and customized for use with the particular propulsion system configuration only after being programmed with the information that characterizes the particular propulsion system configuration.