Motor Vehicle Control Unit Self-Repair via Parameter Modification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for addressing malfunctions and security breaches in motor vehicle control units require vehicles to be taken to a workshop, which is inconvenient and often involves complex software updates, making it difficult to quickly rectify issues without physical intervention.

Innovation Solution

A method that monitors safety- and security-relevant control units, transfers them to a safe state, and modifies parameters using a problem-solving database to resolve critical events, allowing the vehicle to independently find and apply solutions, potentially without the need for a workshop visit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a control unit is monitored and a critical event is detected, then the control unit is transferred to a safe state, but the vehicle requires workshop visits for software updates or replacements to resolve the issue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety and security of control unitVSAvoidconvenience of resolving malfunctions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically performs self-diagnosis and self-repair by downloading updated parameter data sets from a server when a critical event is detected, eliminating the need for manual workshop intervention and enabling the vehicle to resolve safety issues autonomously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Parameter data sets with pre-calculated alternative parameters are stored on a server in advance, allowing the control unit to quickly retrieve and apply proven solutions without requiring complex real-time analysis or manual troubleshooting procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of repair

If a software update is performed in the workshop to address malfunctions or security gaps, then the control unit is repaired, but the vehicle must be taken to the workshop and complex procedures are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to rectify malfunctionsVSAvoidtime required for workshop visits

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The physical process of manually updating control unit software in a workshop is replaced by an automated electronic download and application process, where the control unit autonomously retrieves updated parameter data sets via communication interfaces and applies them without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of performing complex software updates, the system resolves malfunctions by changing parameter values within the control unit through downloaded parameter data sets, simplifying the repair process to a parameter modification operation that can be executed automatically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the control unit modifies parameters to solve critical events, then the problem can be resolved quickly, but there is a risk of introducing new errors or security gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of resolving critical eventsVSAvoidintroduction of new errors

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors its own operation and the vehicle system state, automatically detecting critical events and triggering parameter updates only when necessary, while the server provides feedback by supplying pre-validated parameter data sets that have been tested for safety and correctness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple parameter data sets with different alternative parameters are pre-calculated and stored on the server to account for various possible critical events and system states, ensuring that a safe and appropriate parameter set is available before a critical event occurs, thus preventing the need for risky real-time parameter experimentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3393859B1Method for modifying safety- and/or security-relevant control devices in a motor vehicle, and a corresponding apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.11.17 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus comprising the monitoring (10) of the control device (110). If a critical event occurs during monitoring (10) of the control device (110), the control device (110) is transferred (20) into a safe state, and it is determined (30) whether a problem solution is available for the event that has occurred by means of a parameter modification of the control device (110) in a problem-solving database (410). If the problem solution is available, a parameter data set (411) is provided (40). In this regard, the parameter data set (411) comprises parameter information (413) relating to a parameter (111) to be modified of the control device. If the parameter information (413) for the control device (110) is valid, the parameter (111) is modified (60) according to the parameter information (413) and the control device (110) is released (70) from the safe state.