Vehicle ECU Reconfiguration With Remote Tune Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle tuning systems face challenges in ensuring the appropriateness of modifications for specific applications and maintaining the integrity of control programs during reconfiguration, particularly due to the complexity of modern vehicles and the lack of onsite expertise for tune providers.
Innovation Solution
A system that automates the reconfiguration of vehicle systems, ensuring appropriateness and integrity through real-time closed-loop processing, a provider-side system, a user-side system, and a general communications system, including a server system, a vehicle operator device, and an information gateway device for wireless communication and human-machine interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a piggyback system or ECU replacement is used to modify vehicle performance, then engine tuning capability is improved, but system complexity and risk of compromising mechanical integrity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary ECU that sits between the driver and the original ECU, acting as a mediator that can modify engine parameters without replacing or directly altering the original control unit. This intermediary approach allows performance tuning while maintaining the integrity of the original ECU and reducing system complexity risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification and verification of the original ECU's capabilities and parameters before implementing any modifications. This preliminary action ensures that tuning changes are appropriate for the specific vehicle application and do not compromise mechanical integrity.
2Productivity
If tune-provider expertise is applied remotely without onsite presence, then service coverage is improved, but ability to oversee and confirm suitability of tunes for particular applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the intermediary ECU continuously monitors engine parameters and communicates with the tuning system to confirm that applied tunes are suitable for the particular vehicle application. This feedback loop enables remote tune-providers to verify appropriateness without being physically present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of the vehicle and its original ECU characteristics before applying any tune, ensuring that the selected modification is appropriate for the specific application. This preliminary verification step maintains reliability even when the tune-provider is not onsite.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual ECU reconfiguration is performed without automation, then flexibility in customization is improved, but time consumption and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary ECU is designed to automatically identify the vehicle, select appropriate tuning parameters, and implement modifications without requiring manual configuration by technicians. This self-service capability reduces time consumption and potential for human error while maintaining customization flexibility through programmable options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification and configuration steps automatically, preparing the tuning parameters before actual implementation. This preliminary automation reduces the time and complexity of manual reconfiguration while preserving customization options.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for reprogramming vehicle performance control and/or display systems is provided. The system may allow for automatically flashing various vehicle controllers and provide diagnostic capabilities.