Vehicle Onboard Connection System with Zone ECU Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number and types of functions in vehicles lead to larger zone ECUs and central ECUs, making it difficult to secure space and route thick wire harnesses, which are also challenging to attach due to their size and rigidity, and optimization of system configurations is hindered by trial and error in design.
Innovation Solution
An onboard connection system with zone ECUs, independent ECUs, and a central ECU, where power supply paths are separated to reduce wire harness diameter and size, allowing for miniaturization of zone ECUs and optimization of power supply connections through a method that involves partitioning vehicle space, determining ECU dispositions, and transferring power supply paths to independent ECUs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number and types of functions in vehicles are increased, then the functionality and versatility of the vehicle are improved, but the size of zone ECUs and central ECUs increases, making it difficult to secure space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle's electronic control system into multiple zone ECUs, each responsible for controlling devices in a specific region. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high functionality while keeping individual ECU sizes manageable, as each zone ECU handles only the functions relevant to its region rather than consolidating all functions in a single large ECU.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number and types of functions in vehicles are increased, then the functionality and versatility of the vehicle are improved, but the wire harness diameter and size increases, making it difficult to route and attach
Solution Approach 1:
The wire harness is divided into multiple separate harnesses, each corresponding to a specific zone ECU and its associated devices. This segmentation reduces the diameter of individual wire harnesses compared to a single comprehensive harness, making routing and attachment more manageable while still supporting the overall increased functionality of the vehicle.
3Volume of moving object
If zone ECUs and central ECU are miniaturized by separating power supply paths, then space efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases due to multiple independent power supply connection paths
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power supply paths, with each path dedicated to a specific zone ECU. This segmentation enables miniaturization of individual ECUs by providing them with dedicated power supply connections, reducing the need for complex power distribution within each ECU while managing system complexity through organized, region-specific power paths.
4Power
If a thick wire harness is used to connect all ECUs and devices, then the power supply capability is improved, but the ease of operation during attachment is worsened due to rigidity and size
Solution Approach 1:
The wire harness system is divided into multiple thinner, separate harnesses instead of using a single thick harness. Each segmented harness has reduced diameter and improved flexibility, making attachment operations easier while collectively maintaining the required power supply capability across all zones through their combined capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A zone ECU is disposed in each of a plurality of regions partitioned on a vehicle, and each zone ECU controls a first device disposed in the same region. Independent ECUs are disposed, and each of the independent ECUs controls a second device of a function group independent of the control performed by the zone ECU without relation to the partition of the regions. A central ECU for managing the zone ECU in each of the regions and the independent ECUs is disposed. An onboard power supply is connected to power supply inputs of the zone ECUs and the central ECU Via a first power supply connection path, and the onboard power supply is connected to power supply inputs of the independent ECUs via a second power supply connection path. Power supply electric power to the second device is supplied from the independent ECUs.