Steering Column Control Assembly Module Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control assemblies for motor vehicle steering columns require a high number of microcontroller inputs and connections, leading to increased costs and complexity, especially when adding or modifying modules, which hinders modularity and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A control assembly design where equivalent output tracks of each switching module are interconnected and connected to a single microcontroller input, with activation means controlled by the microcontroller, allowing for standardized connections and reduced microcontroller inputs, thus simplifying the system and lowering development costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each switching module is connected to a dedicated microcontroller input, then the system provides reliable control functionality, but the number of microcontroller inputs and motherboard tracks increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple output tracks from different switching modules are merged and interconnected to connect to the same microcontroller input. This consolidation reduces the total number of microcontroller inputs required while maintaining the ability to receive signals from all modules through shared connection tracks.
Solution Approach 2:
The motherboard connection tracks are designed with universal compatibility, where each location has an identical number N of predefined connection tracks that can accommodate any switching module. This standardized interface allows the same physical tracks to serve multiple modules through the merging principle.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated microcontroller inputs are provided for each switch, then control precision is maintained, but development costs increase for future modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent switching modules that can be individually modified or replaced. Each module maintains its identification code and switching state capabilities, allowing precise control to be preserved while enabling cost-effective future modifications through the standardized, modular architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed with high modularity to adapt to different vehicle equipment, then adaptability is improved, but the number of connection tracks and inputs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adaptability through modular switching modules that can be selectively installed or removed from standardized locations on the motherboard. The identification code and interconnection scheme allow the system to dynamically adapt to different configurations without requiring a fixed, high-track-count design for all possible module combinations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a control assembly, in particular for motor vehicle steering column top portion (1), comprising several switching modules (7; 9; 13; 15) and a microcontroller (19) mounted on a motherboard (17) for interpreting a switching state based on the identifier of the module to deliver an appropriate control signal, the motherboard (17) having several connecting locations (E1, E2, E3, E4), and each module (7; 9; 13; 15) having an identical number N of predetermined tracks (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, ID1, ID2; CS1; CS2; CS3; CS4) to be connected to tracks associated with the motherboard (17). The corresponding exit tracks (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, ID1, ID2) of each switching module (7; 9; 13; 15) are interconnected and connected together on the same input of the microcontroller (19), and the control assembly comprises for each location (E1, E2, E3, E4) means for activating reading of a switching state of a module connected at said location, said activating means being monitored by the microcontroller (19).