Standard Controller Architecture for Flexible Vehicle I/O Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle controller designs face challenges with increased development costs and inflexibility due to optimized circuits for small input/output counts, difficulty in reusing circuits for different components, and excessive wiring lengths/weights from non-shared signals, leading to inefficiencies in adding or changing vehicle parts and functions.
Innovation Solution
A standard controller and control system with a three-layer structure comprising standard controllers, a gateway controller, and a central computer, allowing for flexible component updates and function changes through software updates, reducing wiring harness length and weight by standardizing input/output signals and enabling inter-component communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If circuits are optimized for small input/output counts, then material cost is reduced, but development time and cost increase when the number of inputs/outputs is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller architecture with standardized input/output interfaces that can handle varying numbers of signals through software configuration rather than hardware redesign. The controller uses a common circuit design with multiplexing capabilities and configurable signal routing that allows the same hardware platform to serve multiple applications with different I/O requirements, thereby reducing material costs while maintaining development efficiency across different signal counts.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller employs dynamic signal routing and configurable I/O assignments that allow the system to adapt its circuit usage based on the actual number of inputs/outputs required. Through software-based signal mapping and dynamic channel allocation, the controller can optimize its operational configuration for different applications without requiring physical circuit modifications, thus reducing both material costs and development time.
2Reliability
If circuits are optimized for specific configurations, then performance is improved, but adaptability to other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal controller platform with standardized interfaces and configurable signal handling capabilities that maintain optimal performance across different applications. The controller uses programmable signal routing, configurable interrupt structures, and adaptable data processing pipelines that can be tuned for specific applications while retaining the ability to interface with various components, thus achieving both high performance and broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller utilizes parameter-based configuration where signal characteristics, routing paths, and processing parameters can be dynamically adjusted through software without changing the underlying hardware circuitry. This allows the same physical circuit to be optimized for different signal types and component interfaces by changing operational parameters, maintaining performance while enabling reuse across different components and applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each controller is designed separately for different functions, then functional specificity is improved, but wiring harness length and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple function-specific controllers into a single universal controller that handles diverse functions through software configuration. By merging the control functions into one centralized unit with standardized interfaces, the system eliminates redundant wiring between multiple controllers and components, significantly reducing wiring harness length and weight while maintaining the ability to perform multiple functions through configurable signal routing and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal controller provides function-specific control capabilities through software configuration rather than requiring separate hardware controllers for each function. This multi-functional approach allows a single controller to interface with various components and perform different control tasks, reducing the overall wiring requirements while preserving functional specificity through programmable signal handling and configurable communication protocols.
4Reliability
If direct wire connections are used for signal transmission, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but wiring harness complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal controller serves as an intermediary device that provides standardized, reliable signal transmission interfaces between components and the control system. By incorporating buffered signal paths, configurable communication protocols, and centralized signal routing within the controller, the system achieves reliable signal transmission while reducing wiring harness complexity compared to direct point-to-point connections between multiple controllers and components.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a control system of device having mobility, the control system including standard controllers, each configured to be installed in one of a plurality of areas of the device, detect an input for a function related to a component connected thereto, generate or transmit an input control signal related to the detected input, detect an output control signal related to an output for the function related to the component connected thereto, and perform a control related to the output control signal, a central computer configured to define the function and determine linkage between the input and the output to generate the output control signal related to the input control signal for the function, and a gateway controller configured to transmit the input control signal and the output control signal between each of the standard controllers and the central computer.