Vehicle Control Module Communication Loss Cooling Strategy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle control systems face challenges in maintaining engine cooling when communication is lost between modules, leading to potential overheating due to disabled coolant pumps, as existing systems lack effective mechanisms to sustain coolant flow during communication faults.
Innovation Solution
A control system where a first module measures battery voltage and supplies power to an actuator based on stored data when communication is lost, and a second module increases battery voltage using the alternator, allowing the coolant pump to operate based on pre-set target values, ensuring continuous coolant flow and cooling even during communication failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the control system disables the coolant pump during communication loss, then power consumption is reduced, but engine overheating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the battery voltage parameter by controlling the alternator to output a higher voltage (e.g., 14.5V-15V) during communication loss. This voltage change enables the coolant pump to operate in a degraded mode using stored target values, maintaining engine cooling while adapting to the communication failure condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system stores target values for coolant pump operation in the first control module before communication is lost. These pre-stored values allow the pump to continue operating based on previously received commands, ensuring continuous cooling without real-time communication.
2Reliability
If the first control module operates in awake mode continuously, then coolant pump control is maintained, but battery power is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The first control module dynamically transitions between awake and sleep modes based on communication status and battery voltage levels. During communication loss with sufficient voltage, it operates in awake mode to maintain pump control. When voltage drops below thresholds, it transitions to sleep mode to conserve power, creating a dynamic adaptation strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through voltage threshold monitoring (e.g., 12V, 10V, 8V thresholds) that triggers mode transitions. The control module continuously monitors battery voltage and adjusts its operational state accordingly, ensuring reliable coolant control when power is sufficient while conserving energy when power is limited.
3Reliability
If the second control module increases battery voltage using the alternator, then coolant pump operation is maintained, but additional power generation load is imposed on the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The second control module changes the electrical parameter by increasing alternator output voltage during communication loss. This allows the first control module to operate with sufficient power for coolant pump control despite communication failure, prioritizing thermal management over the additional engine load required for voltage regulation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures continuous engine cooling by maintaining coolant pump operation despite communication losses, preventing overheating and optimizing power management between awake and sleep modes based on battery voltage levels.
Implementation Method 1
the second control module controls an alternator of the vehicle to increase the voltage of the battery
Implementation Method 2
Cool engine coolant absorbs heat from the engine, and the (warmed) engine coolant is circulated to a radiator. The radiator facilitates heat transfer from the engine coolant to air passing the radiator.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system of a vehicle includes a network, a first control module, and a second control module. The first control module measures a voltage of a battery of the vehicle and supplies power from the battery to an actuator of the vehicle based on commands received via the network. The second control module is external to the first control module, transmits the commands to the first control module via the network, and, in response to diagnosing a loss of communication with the first control module, controls an alternator of the vehicle to increase the voltage of the battery. In response to diagnosing a loss of communication with the second control module, the first control module supplies power to the actuator based on predetermined data stored in the first control module.