Standard Controller Architecture for Flexible Vehicle I/O Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems face inefficiencies due to optimized circuit designs that are inflexible and require significant development time and cost when the number of inputs and outputs is large, and they lack the ability to share signals between controllers, leading to increased wiring length and weight.
Innovation Solution
A standard controller system with a three-layer structure comprising standard controllers, a gateway controller, and a central computer, allowing components to be added or changed via software updates, with a signal database and function database for flexible control and signal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If optimized circuit design is used for small number of inputs and outputs, then material cost is reduced, but development time and cost increase significantly when the number of inputs and outputs is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller platform that can handle various numbers of inputs and outputs through software configuration rather than hardware redesign. The controller uses a standardized circuit design that can be adapted to different applications by updating software logic and signal mappings, eliminating the need for separate optimized circuits for each I/O configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller allows dynamic configuration of I/O parameters through software, where the same hardware platform can be reconfigured for different numbers and types of inputs and outputs. This parameter-based flexibility enables rapid adaptation to changing requirements without time-consuming hardware redesign and fabrication.
2Reliability
If optimized circuit design is used, then circuit performance is improved for specific applications, but circuit modifications become difficult and require new controller development
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements dynamic reconfigurability where I/O assignments, signal types, and control logic can be changed during operation or between operations through software updates. This dynamic approach maintains optimized performance for current applications while enabling easy adaptation to new requirements without physical circuit modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software-based signal routing and control logic that can be copied and reused across different configurations. Standardized signal handling routines and control algorithms can be replicated and adapted through software rather than requiring new hardware designs, maintaining performance while enabling flexibility.
3Reliability
If controllers are designed with separate functional structures, then each controller is optimized for its specific function, but signal sharing between controllers is impossible and wiring harness length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple controller functions into a unified controller platform that can handle various I/O configurations. By consolidating control functions into a single reconfigurable unit, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate controllers and their associated wiring, reducing wiring harness length while maintaining functional optimization through software configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that can route and share signals between different functional modules and external components. The standardized I/O interface and software-based signal management enable efficient signal distribution without requiring direct point-to-point connections between multiple specialized controllers.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a control system of a device having mobility, the control system including standard controllers, each configured to be installed in one of a plurality of areas in the device, detect a signal related to a component connected to each of the standard controllers based on a signal database storing or defining the signal related to the component, generate an input control signal including a signal Identifier (ID) and a state value according to the detected signal, transmit the generated input control signal or detect an output control signal corresponding to the component, and perform control corresponding to the detected output control signal, and the signal database being updated in response to addition, deletion or in-device movement of a component connected to the device.