In-Vehicle Load Control System Ignition State Signal Prioritization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle load control systems face challenges in reducing power consumption and response speed due to the need for both multiplex and backup communication channels, leading to delays in diagnosing malfunctions and switching to backup channels, especially when the electronic control unit is in a sleep state or when signals need to be transmitted over long distances.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle load control system with a first electronic control unit that processes input signals and a second unit that drives loads, utilizing a multiplex communication channel and a backup signal channel, where the second unit prioritizes control signals based on the ignition state, allowing the first unit to enter a sleep state when the ignition is off, reducing power consumption and response time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both multiplex communication channel and backup signal channel are provided, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and response time increases due to diagnostic delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the first electronic control unit's operational state changeable - it can switch between active and sleep states based on ignition signal conditions. When the ignition is off, the control unit enters sleep mode to reduce power consumption, while still maintaining the dual-channel reliability architecture. This dynamic state adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliability and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter (power consumption level) of the first electronic control unit based on system conditions. By monitoring ignition state and adjusting the control unit's operational mode accordingly, the system optimizes power consumption while preserving reliability through the backup channel architecture.
2Reliability
If both multiplex communication channel and backup signal channel are provided, then reliability is improved, but response time worsens due to diagnostic delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the second electronic control unit continuously monitor and prioritize control signals from the backup signal channel, even when the ignition is off. This pre-positioning of the backup system ensures that when a malfunction occurs in the multiplex communication channel, the switch to backup mode can occur immediately without diagnostic delays, thus maintaining reliability while improving response time.
3Loss of time
If the first electronic control unit continuously monitors signals to maintain readiness, then response time is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the first electronic control unit to transition between active monitoring and sleep states. When the ignition is off, the unit enters sleep mode to conserve power. When ignition is on, it becomes active for rapid response. This dynamic state management resolves the contradiction between continuous monitoring (fast response) and power conservation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wire harness length is increased to connect distant switches and loads, then adaptability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple signal transmission functions into a single multiplex communication channel. Instead of requiring separate dedicated wires for each signal between distant components, the system uses one shared communication bus that can carry multiple signals bidirectionally. This reduces the overall wire harness weight while maintaining the ability to connect distant switches and loads, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and weight.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle load control system configured to controllably drive one or more loads on a vehicle according to an input signal. The system includes a first electronic control portion configured to perform signal processing based on the input signal, and a second electronic control portion configured to controllably drive the load. A backup signal channel is provided independently of a signal channel through which a signal is transmitted in a multiplex communication portion to input the input signal to the second electronic control portion. The second electronic control portion receives a first control signal via the signal channel in the multiplex communication portion and a second control signal via the backup signal channel, and controllably drives the load by preferentially treating the first control signal when the ignition signal is on and by preferentially treating the second control signal when the ignition signal is off.