Vehicle Trim Control Architecture With Remote Signal Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of integrating multiple electronic control units (ECUs) close to input/output (I/O) devices in vehicle trim assemblies due to space constraints, which increases packaging difficulties, heat management challenges, and wiring complexity, while also adding weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
A control system utilizing a signal collection unit (APU) spaced apart from the ECU, which acts as an interface between the ECU and peripheral devices, eliminating the need for active processing units at the APU and allowing direct connection to the ECU processor bus, thereby reducing the number of ECUs required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional control system with separate processing units is used, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing units (CPU, GPU, NPU, DSP) into a single integrated control unit that can dynamically allocate and switch between different processing capabilities. This integration maintains functional versatility while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate physical processing units for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed as a universal processing platform that can perform multiple functions including image processing, audio processing, control signal generation, and data management. This multi-functional design allows a single unit to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized processing units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processing units are used for different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges CPU, GPU, NPU, and DSP into a single integrated control unit with shared memory and interconnection infrastructure. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components while maintaining all necessary processing capabilities through dynamic resource allocation and task scheduling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate control units are used for different processing tasks, then functional specialization is improved, but system integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control unit is divided into distinct processing cores (CPU, GPU, NPU, DSP) that can be independently activated for specific tasks. Each core maintains its specialized functionality while being managed through a unified control architecture that handles task allocation, memory management, and inter-core communication, thereby reducing system integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit employs dynamic task scheduling and resource allocation mechanisms that adaptively assign processing tasks to appropriate cores based on real-time requirements. This dynamic approach allows functional specialization to be maintained without requiring permanent dedicated hardware for each function, simplifying system integration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system (100) is provided for controlling operation of at least one peripheral device (11-17, 21-27) of an vehicle trim assembly (120) for an automotive vehicle, the control system comprising an electronic control unit (ECU) and a signal collection unit (200) that is spaced apart from the ECU (ECU3); wherein the ECU (ECU3) comprises a microprocessor and software for controlling operation of the peripheral device (11-17, 21-27), and is configured to communicate with the peripheral device (11-17, 21-27), via the signal collection unit (200). The signal collection unit (200) comprises a driver (210, 220) for providing an interface between the ECU (ECU3) and the peripheral device (11-17, 21-27), but does not include any microprocessor configured to control operation of the peripheral device.