Vehicle Control Unit Temperature-Based Function Prioritization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems struggle to flexibly manage the operation of various functions based on their importance, particularly in high-temperature environments, as they lack the ability to differentiate and prioritize functions according to their legal compliance, user recognition, and internal influence.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle control unit that includes temperature detection and a controller to set importance levels for each functional unit, allowing for operation restriction of low-importance units while maintaining high-importance functions, thereby managing power supply and notification processes to prioritize essential operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If all functional units are operated continuously to maintain vehicle functions, then functional completeness is improved, but temperature control and system reliability deteriorate under harsh conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoidsystem reliability under harsh conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments functional units into multiple importance levels (first importance level for critical functions, second importance level for non-critical functions). This segmentation allows the control unit to selectively operate only necessary functions under harsh conditions, maintaining reliability while preserving essential vehicle operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic operation restriction where the control unit adjusts which functional units operate based on detected harsh conditions and their importance level. Critical functions (first importance level) continue operating dynamically even under harsh conditions, while non-critical functions (second importance level) are restricted, creating a dynamic adaptation to environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If operational restrictions are applied to functional units under harsh conditions, then temperature control and reliability are improved, but functional completeness and user experience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliability under harsh conditionsVSAvoidfunctional completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by treating different functional units differently based on their importance level. Critical functions receive preferential treatment and continue operating under harsh conditions, while non-critical functions are restricted. This localized differentiation maintains overall system reliability while preserving essential functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter (operation status) of functional units based on their importance level and detected harsh conditions. By parameterizing functional units according to importance levels, the system can selectively modify operational parameters to maintain reliability without completely sacrificing functional completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a centralized control unit manages all vehicle functions, then system integration and control efficiency are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of managing diverse functions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of managing diverse functions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control logic into standardized processing steps for evaluating harsh conditions and importance levels. This segmentation of control logic into modular, standardized processes reduces the complexity of managing diverse functions while maintaining centralized control efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal control approach where a single control unit handles all functional units using standardized evaluation criteria (harsh condition detection and importance level assessment). This universal methodology allows one control unit to efficiently manage diverse functions without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables preferential limitation of low-importance functions while maintaining critical operations, effectively controlling multiple vehicle functions based on their importance, thus optimizing performance and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature detection unit for detecting temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20210339691A1Vehicle control unit

Publication Date: 2021.11.04 DENSO CORP

AI summary

The vehicle control unit includes: a plurality of functional units mounted on the vehicle; a temperature detection unit for detecting temperature; and a controller for controlling an operation of each functional unit. An importance is set for each of the functional units, and the controller executes the operation restriction process that restricts the operation of each functional unit having a low importance according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.