Vehicle Control Unit Dynamic Function Cluster Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of configuring control units in vehicles is limited by the need for vehicle-type-specific software versions, leading to increased software maintenance costs and complexity due to the fixed assignment of function clusters during manufacturing or startup, which restricts the number of possible function clusters to 64.
Innovation Solution
A method for configuring control units by transmitting and validating function cluster assignments via a data network or data bus, allowing dynamic allocation and updating of function clusters without requiring vehicle-type-specific software, enabling the use of a single software version across different vehicle types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If function cluster assignment is stipulated in the program code during manufacturing or startup, then the control unit can be configured for specific vehicle types, but the number of possible function clusters is limited to 64 and software maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic function cluster assignment by allowing the control unit to load and switch between different function cluster configurations at runtime rather than having fixed assignments in the program code. This enables the same control unit software to adapt to different vehicle types by loading appropriate function cluster assignments from memory or external sources, thereby increasing versatility without requiring multiple software versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control unit software that can serve multiple vehicle types through a standardized interface for loading function cluster assignments. The control unit is designed with universal capabilities to handle different function cluster configurations, eliminating the need for vehicle-type-specific software versions and reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining adaptability across various applications.
2Ease of manufacture
If function cluster assignment is fixed in the program code, then configuration is simple during manufacturing, but vehicle-type-specific software versions are required increasing maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the control unit in advance by incorporating a standardized loading mechanism and memory structure that can accommodate different function cluster assignments. During manufacturing, the control unit is pre-configured with the capability to load function assignments, and during operation, appropriate assignments are loaded based on vehicle type requirements. This preliminary preparation enables both ease of manufacture and subsequent adaptability without requiring complex reconfiguration procedures.
3Device complexity
If the address space is limited to 64 function clusters, then the message structure remains simple, but the system cannot support more than 64 function clusters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the function cluster addressing capability by introducing an additional dimension to the addressing scheme. Instead of being limited to a single 64-element address space, the system uses multiple address spaces or an extended addressing mechanism that allows identification of more than 64 function clusters while maintaining compatibility with the existing message structure. This enables the system to scale to support larger numbers of function clusters without fundamentally changing the basic message format.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to configure a control unit for a vehicle, a method is provided which involves: transmission of a functional cluster assignment by a data source to the control unit, the functional cluster assignment assigning the control unit to a selection of functional clusters; reception of the functional cluster assignment by the control unit; preparation of the control unit for the use of the functional cluster assignment; activating the validity of the functional cluster assignment in the control unit, and use of the functional cluster assignment in the control unit. The functional cluster assignment is transmitted via a data network, preferably formed using a CAN bus, LIN bus, MOST bus or FlexRay bus system. The downloading of the functional cluster assignment to the control unit makes software releases that are specific to vehicle type and the time spent on their associated program maintenance superfluous.