Vehicle Integration Unit Architecture for ECU and Wiring Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of automobile electronic control systems due to the presence of multiple ECUs in each automobile part, along with lengthy wiring harnesses, result in increased costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Vehicle Integration Unit (VIU) that replaces ECUs in automobile parts, providing control and data processing functions, and forming a ring communications network with other VIUs to enhance flexibility and reliability of information transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple ECUs into a single VIU (Vehicle Integration Unit) that consolidates control functions for multiple automobile parts. Instead of having separate ECUs in each part, the VIU integrates these functions centrally, reducing the number of electronic control units while maintaining comprehensive control capability across the vehicle system.
Solution Approach 2:
The VIU is designed as a universal control unit that can perform multiple functions previously handled by dedicated ECUs in different automobile parts. It provides multi-functional control capabilities including receiving control information from DCs, processing data from multiple sources, and issuing control commands to various automobile parts, thereby replacing multiple specialized ECUs with a single multi-functional unit.
2Manufacturing precision
If each automobile part has its own ECU with control and computing functions, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control and computing functions from individual ECUs in each automobile part and consolidates them into the central VIU. This extraction removes the complexity of having multiple distributed ECUs while preserving the essential control functions, as the VIU handles all control operations centrally without requiring each part to have its own intelligent control unit.
3Reliability
If each ECU is connected to the DC using a separate wiring harness, then the reliability of control is improved, but the length of wiring harness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate wiring harnesses into a single communication connection between the VIU and the DC. Instead of having individual wiring harnesses connecting each ECU to the DC, the consolidated VIU requires only one communication link, dramatically reducing the total length and complexity of wiring while maintaining reliable control through the centralized architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, automobile, and method for implementing an electronic control function of an automobile. The system includes a first vehicle integration unit (VIU), an automobile control unit, and a plurality of automobile parts. The automobile control unit includes a first domain controller (DC) or a central computing platform (CCP). The automobile control unit is configured to send first control information to the first VIU. The first VIU is configured to control the plurality of automobile parts based on the first control information. In embodiments of this application, the first VIU controls the plurality of automobile parts.