Vehicle Integration Unit Architecture for ECU and Harness Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost of automobile parts due to the presence of multiple electronic control units (ECUs) and extensive harness lengths in existing automobile electronic control systems is a challenge.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a vehicle integration unit (VIU) that centralizes the control functions of multiple automobile parts, reducing the need for individual ECUs and harness connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ECUs are disposed in each automobile part to implement electronic control functions, then the control functionality is improved, but the cost of automobile parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidcost of automobile parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions of multiple ECUs into a single centralized ECU. This consolidation reduces the number of separate control units required in each automobile part, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive control functionality through the unified ECU architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized ECU is designed to perform multiple control functions that were previously distributed across several separate ECUs. This multi-functional ECU can control different automobile parts through a standardized interface, reducing the need for multiple specialized control units and lowering overall part costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If each ECU has independent control and computing functions, then the control capability is improved, but the cost of ECUs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidcost of ECUs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control and computing functions of multiple independent ECUs into a single centralized ECU. This unified ECU maintains full control capability over all automobile parts while eliminating the redundancy of multiple separate control units, thereby reducing ECU costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

While the ECU itself is centralized, the patent segments the control functions into different controllable parts. The single ECU can selectively control different automobile parts based on required functions, maintaining the adaptability and versatility of having multiple specialized ECUs while using a single physical control unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If each automobile part is connected to the domain controller by a respective harness, then the connection reliability is improved, but the harness length and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidharness length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate harness connections into a single standardized interface between the centralized ECU and the domain controller. This unified connection approach reduces the total harness length and system complexity while maintaining reliable communication through the consolidated interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250353508A1System and method for implementing automobile electronic control function

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A system for implementing an automobile electronic control function includes a plurality of automobile parts and an integrated unit VIU, and the VIU is configured to obtain control information of the plurality of automobile parts. The VIU is configured to control the plurality of automobile parts based on the control information. The plurality of automobile parts include automobile parts having only an execution function, and/or automobile parts having a part of an electronic control function and an execution function.