Vehicle Control Unit Error Shutdown Trigger Lead Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for shutting down electrically controlled components in vehicle processing units are complex and error-prone, particularly in internal combustion engine systems, as they require multiple type-dependent interfaces and additional connections, making them difficult to test and implement efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A new disconnecting path that sets the trigger lead to a fixed HIGH level in case of error, allowing for rapid and simple testing without additional connections, applicable to all types of internal combustion engines, and can be used as a redundant path for conventional disconnecting methods, leveraging existing control unit configurations and internal error detection mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional disconnecting paths are used for shutting down electrically controlled components, then safety can be ensured, but the system complexity increases and testing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single standardized disconnecting path interface that can be used across all electrically controlled components (injectors, valves, etc.) regardless of component type. The trigger lead interface with fixed HIGH level error signal serves multiple components and functions, replacing multiple type-dependent interfaces with one universal mechanism that simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the disconnecting path into distinct functional elements: the processing unit error detection, the trigger lead interface, and the control circuit response. This segmentation allows each component to be independently tested and verified, simplifying the testing process while ensuring comprehensive safety coverage across the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If type-dependent interfaces are used for different components, then component-specific control is achieved, but the number of interfaces increases and implementation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single trigger lead interface that works with all electrically controlled components. Instead of creating separate interfaces for injectors, pressure control valves, and other components, the same HIGH level error signal mechanism on the trigger lead universally shuts down all components, dramatically reducing the number of interfaces while maintaining component-specific control capabilities during normal operation.
3Reliability
If additional test steps and connections are added for verifying disconnecting paths, then testing completeness improves, but testing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the disconnecting path test during the control unit startup phase, before the initialization of the injection system. The error signal is generated and tested early in the boot process, allowing verification of the safety mechanism before any other system initialization occurs, thus saving time while ensuring comprehensive testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnecting path tests itself through the existing startup and initialization sequences of the control unit. The system's own boot process and component initialization routines are used to generate and verify the error signals, eliminating the need for separate external testing equipment or procedures while ensuring thorough testing coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for shutting down an electrically controlled component of a vehicle in a case of error of a processing unit, the component being controlled by a control circuit, which receives at least one control signal from the processing unit and controls the component as a function of the at least one received control signal, the processing unit outputting the at least one control signal to a control terminal, the processing unit being designed for outputting an error signal having a defined level to the control terminal in a case of error.